Image blur correction device and imaging apparatus equipped therewith

ABSTRACT

An image blur correction device includes: a movable frame which is equipped with a lens or an imaging element and has a guide part; a fixed frame having a guide supporting part which movably supports the movable frame by coming into contact with the guide part; and a drive mechanism which drives the movable frame for correcting image blur by moving the movable frame relative to the fixed frame. The fixed frame has magnetic bodies, and the movable frame has urging magnets at positions corresponding to the magnetic bodies. Specifically, the urging magnets use attractive force between the magnets and the magnetic bodies, so as to urge the movable frame in a direction in which the guide part and the guide supporting part come into contact with each other.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 12/377,216,filed on Feb. 11, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,929,849 which is thenational stage of PCT/JP2007/066511, filed on Aug. 21, 2007, and isbased on and claims priority benefit from each of Japanese PatentApplication Nos. 2006-226290, filed on Aug. 23, 2006 and 2006-226291,filed on Aug. 23, 2006, the disclosures of which are incorporated hereinby reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an image blur correction device whichcorrects image blur when a subject image is photographed by aloowing thesubject image to image on an imaging element which generates image datato form the subject image, and also relates to an imaging apparatus.More particularly, the present invention relates to an image blurcorrection device having an image blur correction function which enablesthe photographing of a subject image whose blur is corrected by allowingan imaging element to follow movement of the subject image due to camerashake, and also relates to an imaging apparatus equipped with the imageblur correction device.

BACKGROUND ART

There has conventionally been known, as an imaging apparatus, digitalimaging apparatus including a camera shake correction mechanism. In animaging apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-openPublication No. 2004-274242, an example of a camera shake correctionmechanism is disclosed. In this imaging apparatus, a CCD as an imagingelement is mounted on a Y movable frame. This Y movable frame isprovided at one end of a fixation tube which houses a lens barrel on aphotographing optical axis. The fixation tube is attached to a main bodycase. The Y movable frame is movably held by a guide stage along an X-Yplane perpendicular to the photographing optical axis as a Z axialdirection. The guide stage is fixed to the photographing optical axisinside the main body case. The Y movable frame is set to be a structure(drive mechanism) which is operated by magnetic force formed bypermanent magnets and coils facing the magnets on the guide stage. Inthis conventional imaging apparatus, a processor is provided in the mainbody case. This processor detects inclinations in X and Y directionscaused in the main body case. Moreover, the processor controls the CCDto follow the movement of the subject image due to camera shake bychanging a current distributed to the coils on the basis of detectionoutputs of the inclinations.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Meanwhile, in the imaging apparatus described above, if there isloose-fitting in guides of a movable mechanism such as a lens and theimaging element, in other words, if loose-fitting occurs between theguide stage and the Y movable frame due to a given amount of space in aspot where the guide stage holds the Y movable frame for smooth movementof the Y movable frame along the X-Y plane, the Y movable frame cannotbe smoothly moved. Thus, there is a problem that image blur correctionperformance including the camera shake correction described above isadversely affected. Moreover, the imaging apparatus has a problem thatthe lens or the imaging element is inclined by the loose-fitting tocause an increase in aberration or a focal shift and thus imagingperformance is also deteriorated. Consequently, Japanese Patent No.3728094 discloses a mechanism having camera shake correction performanceenhanced by providing a magnetic body at a position facing a permanentmagnet in a drive mechanism and using attractive force between themagnetic body and the permanent magnet to remove loose-fitting. However,as in the mechanism disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3728094, if themagnetic body is disposed in a magnetic field of the drive mechanism,there is an influence on a magnetic field distribution to coils fordriving. As a result, there is a risk of causing lowering of drivingforce, an increase in a variation of the driving force within a movingrange, generation of driving force in an unnecessary direction and thelike in the drive mechanism. Moreover, in the mechanism disclosed inJapanese Patent No. 3728094, force urging a supporting part that movablysupports a movable frame is likely to get off balance. Thus, removal ofloose-fitting may not be surely performed.

The present invention is made in the light of the foregoing problems andan object of the present invention is to provide an image blurcorrection device which can smoothly move an imaging element or a lensby surely removing loose-fitting of a guide part, prevent deteriorationof an image due to inclination and eliminate an influence on a magneticfield of a drive mechanism, and also to provide an imaging apparatususing the image blur correction device.

In order to accomplish the above object, an image blur correction deviceof the present invention includes: a movable frame which is equippedwith a lens or an imaging element and has a guide part; a fixed framehaving a guide supporting part which movably supports the movable frameby coming into contact with the guide part; and a drive mechanism whichdrives the movable frame for correcting image blur by moving the movableframe relative to the fixed frame. The fixed frame has magnetic bodies,and the movable frame has urging magnets at positions corresponding tothe magnetic bodies. Specifically, the urging magnets use attractiveforce between the magnets and the magnetic bodies, so as to urge themovable frame in a direction in which the guide part and the guidesupporting part come into contact with each other.

Here, it is preferable that combinations of the urging magnets and themagnetic bodies be disposed on both sides of the lens or the imagingelement.

Moreover, it is preferable that the drive mechanism be a voice coilmotor consisting of yokes made of a soft magnetic material, permanentmagnets fixed to the yokes and coils, and that the magnetic bodies beformed by extending the yokes.

Moreover, it is preferable that the drive mechanism be a voice coilmotor consisting of yokes made of a soft magnetic material, permanentmagnets fixed to the yokes and coils, and that the urging magnets be aplurality of permanent magnets which have different magnetizationdirections and are arranged in parallel with the permanent magnets inthe drive mechanism.

Moreover, in order to accomplish the above object, an image blurcorrection device of the present invention includes: a first movableframe which is equipped with a lens or an imaging element and has afirst-direction guide part; a second movable frame having asecond-direction guide part and a first-direction guide supporting partwhich movably supports the first movable frame by coming into contactwith the first-direction guide part; a fixed frame having asecond-direction guide supporting part which movably supports the secondmovable frame by coming into contact with the second-direction guidepart; and a drive mechanism which drives the first and second movableframes for correcting image blur by moving at least one of the first andsecond movable frames relative to the fixed frame. The fixed frame hasmagnetic bodies, and the first movable frame has urging magnets atpositions corresponding to the magnetic bodies. Specifically, the urgingmagnets use attractive force between the magnets and the magneticbodies, so as to urge the first movable frame in a direction in whichthe first-direction guide part and the first-direction guide supportingpart come into contact with each other, and so as to urge the secondmovable frame in a direction in which the second-direction guide partand the second-direction guide supporting part come into contact witheach other.

Furthermore, in order to accomplish the above object, an imagingapparatus of the present invention includes the image blur correctiondevice.

In order to accomplish the above object, an image blur correction deviceof the present invention includes: a movable frame which is equippedwith a lens or an imaging element and has guides; a fixed frame havingguide shafts which movably support the movable frame by coming intocontact with the guides; and a drive mechanism which drives the movableframe for correcting image blur by moving the movable frame relative tothe fixed frame. The guide shafts are made of a magnetic material, andpermanent magnets are provided in portions on the guide shafts in themovable frame. Specifically, the permanent magnets use attractive forcebetween the magnets and the guide shafts, so as to urge the movableframe in a direction in which the guides and the guide shafts come intocontact with each other.

Moreover, in the image blur correction device of the present invention,the fixed frame has, as the guide shafts, two guide shafts disposed inparallel, and the movable frame has, as the guides, first and secondguides coming into contact with one of the two guide shafts and a thirdguide coming into contact with the other guide shaft. The three guidesinclude the permanent magnets, respectively.

Furthermore, in the image blur correction device of the presentinvention, the fixed frame has, as the guide shafts, two guide shaftsdisposed in parallel, and the movable frame has, as the guides, firstand second guides coming into contact with one of the two guide shaftsand a third guide coming into contact with the other guide shaft. Thefixed frame includes the permanent magnets on an intermediate portionbetween the first and second guides and on the third guide.

Moreover, in order to accomplish the above object, an image blurcorrection device of the present invention includes: a movable framewhich is equipped with a lens or an imaging element and has guideshafts; a fixed frame having guides which movably support the movableframe by coming into contact with the guide shafts; and a drivemechanism which drives the movable frame for correcting image blur bymoving the movable frame relative to the fixed frame. The guide shaftsare made of a magnetic material, and permanent magnets are provided inportions on the guide shafts in the fixed frame. Specifically, thepermanent magnets use attractive force between the magnets and the guideshafts, so as to urge the movable frame in a direction in which theguides and the guide shafts come into contact with each other.

In order to accomplish the above object, an image blur correction deviceof the present invention includes: a first movable frame which isequipped with a lens or an imaging element and has first-directionguides; a second movable frame having second-direction guides andfirst-direction guide shafts which movably support the first movableframe by coming into contact with the first-direction guides; a fixedframe having second-direction guide shafts which movably support thesecond movable frame by coming into contact with the second-directionguides; and a drive mechanism which drives the first and second movableframes for correcting image blur by moving at least one of the first andsecond movable frames relative to the fixed frame. The first-directionguide shafts are made of a magnetic material, and the first movableframe has permanent magnets at positions on the first-direction guideshafts in the first movable frame. Specifically, the permanent magnetsuse attractive force between the magnets and the first-direction guideshafts, so as to urge the first movable frame in a direction in whichthe first-direction guides and the first-direction guide shafts comeinto contact with each other.

Moreover, in the image blur correction device of the present invention,the second-direction guide shafts are made of a magnetic material, andthe second movable frame has permanent magnets at positions on thesecond-direction guide shafts in the second movable frame. Specifically,the permanent magnets use attractive force between the magnets and thesecond-direction guide shafts, so as to urge the second movable frame ina direction in which the second-direction guides and thesecond-direction guide shafts come into contact with each other.

Furthermore, in order to accomplish the above object, an imagingapparatus of the present invention includes the image blur correctiondevice described above.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present invention, the urging magnets (permanentmagnets) are provided in the movable frame in addition to the drivemechanism which drives the movable frame, and loose-fitting between theguide part and the guide supporting part in movement of the movableframe is removed by use of the attractive force between the magnets andthe magnetic bodies in the fixed frame. Thus, there is no influence on amagnetic field distribution to coils for driving, and there is no riskof causing lowering of driving force, an increase in a variation of thedriving force within a moving range, generation of driving force in anunnecessary direction and the like.

Moreover, according to one aspect of the present invention, thecombinations of the urging magnets and the magnetic bodies are providedon both sides of the lens or the imaging element. Thus, since no biasoccurs in the urging force to the movable frame, the loose-fittingbetween the guide part and the guide supporting part in movement of themovable frame can be surely removed.

Moreover, according to one aspect of the present invention, the magneticbodies are formed by extending the yokes in the voice coil motor as thedrive mechanism. Thus, it is possible to impart a function of removingthe loose-fitting between the guide part and the guide supporting partin movement of the movable frame without newly adding magnetic parts.

Moreover, according to one aspect of the present invention, as theurging magnets, a plurality of permanent magnets having differentmagnetization directions are arranged in parallel with the permanentmagnets in the drive mechanism. Thus, magnetic force acting between thepermanent magnets as driving magnets and the urging magnets can beeliminated. As a result, it is possible to prevent deterioration ofcorrection control performance or an increase in consumption current ofthe coils due to addition of attractive or repulsive force to the forcerequired for correction generated by driving coils. Specifically, theattractive or repulsive force is made to act on the permanent magnets asthe driving magnets by the urging magnets.

According to the present invention, the urging magnets (permanentmagnets) are provided in the first movable frame in addition to thedrive mechanism which drives the first movable frame, and loose-fittingbetween the first guide part and the first guide supporting part inmovement of the first movable frame is removed by use of the attractiveforce between the magnets and the magnetic bodies in the fixed frame.Thus, there is no influence on a magnetic field distribution to coilsfor driving, and there is no risk of causing lowering of driving force,an increase in a variation of the driving force within a moving range,generation of driving force in an unnecessary direction and the like.Moreover, since the configuration in which the first movable frame isurged toward the fixed frame is adopted, loose-fitting between thesecond guide part and the second guide supporting part in movement ofthe second movable frame can also be removed without adding new parts tothe second movable frame.

According to the present invention, the imaging apparatus includes theimage blur correction device which can perform normal driving whileremoving the loose-fitting in movement of the movable frames (the firstand second movable frames). Thus, an image whose blur is properlycorrected can be obtained.

The image blur correction device according to the present inventionincludes: a movable frame which is equipped with a lens or an imagingelement and has guides; and a fixed frame having guide shafts whichmovably support the movable frame by coming into contact with theguides. The guide shafts are made of a magnetic material, and permanentmagnets are provided in portions on the guide shafts in the Movableframe. Specifically, the permanent magnets use attractive force betweenthe magnets and the guide shafts, so as to urge the movable frame in adirection in which the guides and the guide shafts come into contactwith each other. Thus, the lens or the imaging element can be smoothlymoved, and deterioration of the image due to inclination can beprevented. Furthermore, not only the loose-fitting is removed but alsoan influence on a magnetic field between coils as driving means and thepermanent magnets can be eliminated.

Moreover, as one aspect of the present invention, three permanentmagnets as the urging magnets can be provided at positions correspondingto the guide shafts on the first to third guides. In this case, adistance between the urging magnets and the guide shafts can beaccurately set in positioning thereof. Thus, stable removal ofloose-fitting can be performed without much variation in the urgingforce.

Furthermore, as another aspect of the present invention, two permanentmagnets as the urging magnets can be provided on an intermediateposition between the first and second guides and on the third guide. Inthis case, the loose-fitting between the guides and the guide shafts canbe surely eliminated even if the number of urging magnets is reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a CCD stage as a firstembodiment of an image blur correction device according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the imageblur correction device according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing arrangement of apermanent magnet, a yoke and an urging magnet.

FIG. 4 is a view showing arrangement of the permanent magnet and theurging magnet when viewed from an optical axis direction.

FIG. 5A is a schematic view showing force working between a permanentmagnet piece as a part of a drive mechanism and one of permanent magnetsof the urging magnet.

FIG. 5B is a schematic view showing force working between the permanentmagnet piece as a part of the drive mechanism and the other permanentmagnet of the urging magnet.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a firstmodified example of the first embodiment of the image blur correctiondevice according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a secondmodified example of the first embodiment of the image blur correctiondevice according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a CCD stage as a secondembodiment of the image blur correction device according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of the CCD stage as the second embodimentof the image blur correction device according to the present invention,showing, in its lower part, a schematic side view of a mounting stage inthe CCD stage when viewed from an X direction and also showing, in itsupper part, a relationship among respective guides in the mountingstage, respective urging magnets provided thereon and both guide shaftsin a Y direction stage.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of the CCD stage as the second embodimentof the image blur correction device according to the present invention,showing a relationship among respective guides in the Y direction stage,respective urging magnets provided thereon and both guide shafts in an Xdirection stage.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of a CCD stage as a first modifiedexample of the second embodiment of the image blur correction deviceaccording to the present invention, showing, in its lower part, aschematic side view of a mounting stage in the CCD stage when viewedfrom the X direction and also showing, in its upper part, a relationshipamong respective guides in the mounting stage, respective urging magnetsprovided thereon and both guide shafts in a Y direction stage.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of the CCD stage as the first modifiedexample of the second embodiment of the image blur correction deviceaccording to the present invention, showing a relationship amongrespective guides in the Y direction stage, respective urging magnetsprovided thereon and both guide shafts in an X direction stage.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a digital camera as an imaging apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a back view of the digital camera as the imaging apparatusaccording to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the digital camera as the imaging apparatusaccording to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a circuit block diagram schematically showing a configurationof an inner system of the digital camera as the imaging apparatusaccording to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining general operations of the digitalcamera as the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 18A is a view for explaining principles of camera shake correctionfor the digital camera as the imaging apparatus according to theembodiment of the present invention, showing inclination of the digitalcamera.

FIG. 18B is a view for explaining the principles of camera shakecorrection for the digital camera as the imaging apparatus according tothe embodiment of the present invention and is also a partially enlargedview showing a relationship between a photographing lens of the digitalcamera and an imaging surface of a CCD.

FIG. 19 is a front view showing a fixation tube of a lens barrel of thedigital camera according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the fixation tube alongthe line I-I in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21A is a back view of the fixation tube shown in FIG. 19, showing astate where a flexible printed board is not attached.

FIG. 21B is a back view of the fixation tube shown in FIG. 19, showing astate where the flexible printed board is attached.

FIG. 22 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along theline II-II in FIG. 21B.

FIG. 23A is an explanatory view showing a main part of an originposition forced retention mechanism according to the present inventionand is also a perspective view showing a connection relationship among aCCD stage, a stepping motor and a conversion mechanism.

FIG. 23B is an explanatory view showing the main part of the originposition forced retention mechanism according to the present inventionand is also a partially enlarged perspective view of the conversionmechanism.

FIG. 24A is a schematic view showing a cam groove of a rotationtransferring gear and is also a bottom view of the rotation transferringgear.

FIG. 24B is a schematic view showing the cam groove of the rotationtransferring gear and also showing a cross-section obtained along thering-shaped dashed line V shown in FIG. 24A.

FIG. 24C is a schematic view showing the cam groove of the rotationtransferring gear and also showing a state where a cam pin slides on aninclined surface portion of the cam groove and the rotation transferringgear is pushed up toward a base member.

FIG. 24D is a schematic view showing the cam groove of the rotationtransferring gear and also showing a state where the cam pin comes intocontact with a flat peak portion of the cam groove and the rotationtransferring gear is pushed all the way up.

FIG. 24E is a schematic view showing the cam groove of the rotationtransferring gear and also showing a state where the cam pin comes intocontact with a flat valley floor portion after passing through a steepcliff and the rotation transferring gear is pushed all the way down.

FIG. 25A is an explanatory view showing a fitting state between aretention pin shown in FIG. 23A and a recess, and is also a partiallyenlarged cross-sectional view showing a close-contact state between theretention pin and a recess peripheral wall.

FIG. 25B is an explanatory view showing a fitting state between theretention pin shown in FIG. 23A and the recess, and is also a partiallyenlarged cross-sectional view showing a separation state between theretention pin and the recess peripheral wall.

FIG. 26 is a view showing the flexible printed board before being foldedwhen viewed from a front side.

FIG. 27 is a view showing a state where the flexible printed boardbefore being folded is attached onto the CCD stage.

FIG. 28 is a view showing an overlapping state of connection extensionparts in the printed board.

FIG. 29A is a perspective view schematically showing an arrangementrelationship between the CCD stage and the flexible printed board.

FIG. 29B is a perspective view, when seen from a direction differentfrom that in FIG. 29A, schematically showing the arrangementrelationship between the CCD stage and the flexible printed board.

FIG. 29C is a perspective view, when seen from a direction differentfrom those in FIGS. 29A and 29B, schematically showing the arrangementrelationship between the CCD stage and the flexible printed board.

FIG. 30 is a circuit block diagram of an origin position forcedretention control circuit according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of control processing of theorigin position forced retention mechanism in the camera shakecorrection mechanism according to the embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 32 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a camera shakedetection circuit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a circuit block diagram of a camera shake correction controlcircuit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of variation correctionsetting processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the camerashake correction control circuit according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 36 is a circuit block diagram showing a modified example of afeedback circuit shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a series of steps of camera shakecorrection processing in the imaging apparatus according to theembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a timing chart showing one example of the camera shakecorrection processing in the case of full-pressing in the imagingapparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a timing chart showing one example of release processing ofthe camera shake correction processing of the imaging apparatusaccording to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a timing chart showing one example of the camera shakecorrection processing in the case of full-pressing in one shot in theimaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing a mainstructure of a lens barrel in the image blur correction device accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a detailedstructure of the lens barrel in the image blur correction deviceaccording to the embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF NUMERALS

-   101 CCD (as imaging element)-   1241 camera shake detection sensor-   1251 CCD stage-   1252 position detection element-   1252 a X position sensor-   1252 b Y position sensor-   1263 origin position forced retention mechanism-   13 X direction stage (as fixed frame)-   13 a, 13 b guide shaft (X direction)-   14 Y direction stage (as X movable frame)-   14 a, 14 b guide shaft (Y direction)-   15 mounting stage (as Y movable frame)-   15 a, 15 b, 15 c, 15 d coil attachment plate part-   15 g, 15 g′, 15 h guide (Y direction)-   15 e, 15 f urging magnet-   15 mg, 15 mg′, 15 mh urging magnet (in Y direction movement)-   15 i urging magnet holding part-   16 a, 16 b, 16 b′, 16 c, 16 d, 16 i, 16 j permanent magnet (for    driving)-   16 a 1, 16 a 2 permanent magnet piece-   16 e, 16 f, 16 g, 16 h, 16 m, 16 n yoke-   16 e 1, 16 f 1, 16 f 1′ yoke portion-   16 e 2, 16 f 2, 16 f 2′ extended portion-   17 a, 17 a′, 17 b, 17 b′, 17 b″ guide (X direction)-   17 c urging magnet holding part-   17 ma, 17 ma′, 17 mb″, 17 mc guide (X direction)-   19 protection plate-   19 a recess-   COL1, COL1′, COL2, COL2′ coiled body (for driving)

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings, embodiments of an image blur correctiondevice and an imaging apparatus equipped therewith according to thepresent invention will be described. However, the present invention isnot limited to the following embodiments.

A first embodiment of an image blur correction device according to thepresent invention will be described below.

The first embodiment of the image blur correction device according tothe present invention is an image blur correction device including: amovable frame which is equipped with a lens or an imaging element andhas a guide part; a fixed frame having a guide supporting part whichmovably supports the movable frame by coming into contact with the guidepart; and a drive mechanism which drives the movable frame forcorrecting image blur by moving the movable frame relative to the fixedframe. The fixed frame has a magnetic body, and the movable frame has anurging magnet at a position corresponding to the magnetic body.Specifically, the urging magnet uses attractive force between the magnetand the magnetic body, so as to urge the movable frame in a direction inwhich the guide part and the guide supporting part come into contactwith each other. More particularly, the first embodiment of the imageblur correction device according to the present invention is an imageblur correction device including: a first movable frame which isequipped with a lens or an imaging element and has a first-directionguide part; a second movable frame having a second-direction guide partand a first-direction guide supporting part which movably supports thefirst movable frame by coming into contact with the first-directionguide part; a fixed frame having a second-direction guide supportingpart which movably supports the second movable frame by coming intocontact with the second-direction guide part; and a drive mechanismwhich drives the first and second movable frames for correcting imageblur by moving at least one of the first and second movable framesrelative to the fixed frame. The fixed frame has a magnetic body, andthe first movable frame has an urging magnet at a position correspondingto the magnetic body. Specifically, the urging magnet uses attractiveforce between the magnet and the magnetic body, so as to urge the firstmovable frame in a direction in which the first-direction guide part andthe first-direction guide supporting part come into contact with eachother, and so as to urge the second movable frame in a direction inwhich the second-direction guide part and the second-direction guidesupporting part come into contact with each other.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a CCD stage 1251 as the firstembodiment of the image blur correction device according to the presentinvention. Here, FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an imageblur correction device equipped with a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) thatis an imaging element. In FIG. 1, an optical axis direction in animaging apparatus (camera) to be described later is set to be a Zdirection, and two directions perpendicular to each other on a planehaving a Z axis as a normal line are set to be an X direction and a Ydirection, respectively.

The CCD stage 1251 as the first embodiment of the image blur correctiondevice according to the present invention includes a mounting stage 15,a Y direction stage 14 and an X direction stage 13. The mounting stage15 is a Y movable frame (a first movable frame) which has a CCD 101mounted thereon and is moved in the Y direction. The Y direction stage14 is an X movable frame (a second movable frame), which is moved in theX direction, and is the stage for moving the mounting stage 15 in the Ydirection. The X direction stage 13 is a fixed frame, which is fixed toa lens barrel main body in the imaging apparatus, and is the stage formoving the Y direction stage 14 in the X direction.

The X direction stage 13 is a ring-shaped frame having a hole passingthrough its center area in the Z direction, and is fixed to a basemember 11 of the camera to be described later. In the X direction stage13, as second-direction (X axis direction) guide supporting parts, apair of guide shafts 13 a and 13 b extended in the X direction areprovided with a space therebetween in the Y direction. In the Xdirection stage 13, four rectangular parallelepiped permanent magnets 16a to 16 d are provided as driving magnets. The four permanent magnets 16a to 16 d are disposed in pairs. The permanent magnets 16 a and 16 b asone of the pairs are disposed parallel to each other with a spacetherebetween in the Y direction within an X-Y plane. In the firstembodiment, adopted is the configuration in which the pair of guideshafts 13 a and 13 b penetrate through the pair of permanent magnets 16a and 16 b. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Thepair of permanent magnets 16 a and 16 b may be provided parallel to thepair of guide shafts 13 a and 13 b. Moreover, the permanent magnets 16 cand 16 d as the other pair are disposed with a space therebetween in theX direction within the X-Y plane.

Moreover, at a bottom of the X direction stage 13, plate-like yokes 16 eto 16 h made of soft magnetic metal members are provided so as tocorrespond to the permanent magnets 16 a to 16 d, respectively. Theyokes 16 e to 16 h may be disposed at predetermined positions on thepermanent magnets 16 a to 16 d, respectively. Moreover, the yokes 16 eto 16 h may be directly fixed to the permanent magnets 16 a to 16 d,respectively, or may be fixed to, for example, the base member 11 asidefrom the permanent magnets 16 a to 16 d.

Moreover, the yokes 16 g and 16 h are made of rectangular plates havingthe same size and shape as those of bottom faces of the permanentmagnets 16 c and 16 d. Meanwhile, the yokes 16 e and 16 f are made ofplates consisting of yoke portions (see reference numerals 16 e 1 and 16f 1 in FIG. 2) and extended portions (see reference numerals 16 e 2 and16 f 2 in FIG. 2). The yoke portions (see reference numerals 16 e 1 and16 f 1 in FIG. 2) are formed to have the same size and shape as those ofbottom faces of the permanent magnets 16 a and 16 b. The extendedportions (see reference numerals 16 e 2 and 16 f 2 in FIG. 2) areextended from the yoke portions and formed so as to protrude to thecenter area of the X direction stage 13 from the bottom faces of thepermanent magnets 16 a and 16 b, respectively. Moreover, the extendedportions of the yokes 16 e and 16 f are disposed at positions on bothsides of the CCD 101.

The Y direction stage 14 is a rectangular frame having a hole passingthrough its center area in the Z direction. In the Y direction stage 14,as first-direction (Y axis direction) guide supporting parts, a pair ofguide shafts 14 a and 14 b extended in the Y direction are provided witha space therebetween in the X direction. In the Y direction stage 14,guides 17 a, 17 a′, 17 b and 17 b′ are provided as second-direction (Xaxis direction) guide parts. The guides 17 a, 17 a′, 17 b and 17 b′ areformed to have a bearing shape and are disposed in pairs ((17 a and 17a′) and (17 b and 17 b′)), each pair having the guides facing each otherwith a space therebetween in the X direction. Both the pairs of guides(17 a and 17 a′) and (17 b and 17 b′) are provided with a spacetherebetween in the Y direction. The respective pairs of guides (17 aand 17 a′) and (17 b and 17 b′) are movably supported by the pair ofguide shafts 13 a and 13 b in the X direction stage 13 in a state ofcoming into contact therewith. Thus, the Y direction stage 14 can bemoved in the X direction.

The mounting stage 15 has a pair of coil attachment plate parts 15 a and15 b protruding in the X direction and a pair of coil attachment plateparts 15 c and 15 d protruding in the Y direction. The CCD 101 is fixedin the center of the mounting stage 15. In the mounting stage 15, guides(not shown) are provided as first-direction (Y axis direction) guideparts on the same side as an imaging Surface of the CCD 101. Theunillustrated guides are formed to have a bearing shape and are disposedin pairs, each pair having the guides facing each other with a spacetherebetween in the Y direction. Moreover, the pairs of guides areprovided with a space therebetween in the X direction. The respectivepairs of guides are movably supported by the pair of guide shafts 14 aand 14 b in the Y direction stage 14 in a state of coming into contacttherewith. Thus, the mounting stage 15 can be moved in the X and Ydirections as a whole. Accordingly, the X direction stage 13 and the Ydirection stage 14 act as guide stages which hold the mounting stage 15so as to be movable along the X-Y plane. Moreover, since the X directionstage 13 is provided in the base member 11 in a fixed cylinder 10, thestage is fixed with respect to a photographing optical axis in a mainbody case. Note that, in the first embodiment, the first direction isset as the Y axis direction, and the second direction is set as the Xaxis direction. However, the first and second directions are not limitedto those in the first embodiment but may be any two directions tiltedwithin the plane perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

Moreover, at the frame bottom of the mounting stage 15, urging magnets15 e and 15 f are provided. The urging magnets 15 e and 15 f areprovided at positions facing the extended portions of the yokes 16 e and16 f in the Z direction, in other words, at positions immediately abovethe extended portions. Specifically, a combination of the urging magnet15 e and the extended portion of the yoke 16 e and a combination of theurging magnet 15 f and the extended portion of the yoke 16 f form a pairwith the CCD 101 interposed therebetween along the Y axis direction.Moreover, the combination of the urging magnet 15 e and the extendedportion of the yoke 16 e and the combination of the urging magnet 15 fand the extended portion of the yoke 16 f are provided so as to besymmetrical with respect to an X-Z plane including a center lineconnecting respective coiled bodies COL1 and COL1′ and with respect to aY-Z plane including a center line connecting respective coiled bodiesCOL2 and COL2′.

Moreover, a protection plate 19 is attached to a surface of the CCD 101,which is opposite to the imaging surface. The protection plate 19 has atapered recess 19 a formed in its center. Functions of the recess 19 awill be described later.

The flat and spiral coiled bodies COL1 and COL1′ are attached to thepair of coil attachment plate parts 15 a and 15 b, respectively. Thecoiled bodies COL1 and COL1′ are series-connected. The flat and spiralcoiled bodies COL2 and COL2′ are attached to the pair of coil attachmentplate parts 15 c and 15 d, respectively. The coiled bodies COL2 andCOL2′ are also series-connected in the same manner as the coiled bodiesCOL1 and COL1′.

The coiled body COL1 faces the permanent magnet 16 c and the coiled bodyCOL1′ faces the permanent magnet 16 d. Moreover, the coiled body COL2faces the permanent magnet 16 a and the coiled body COL2′ faces thepermanent magnet 16 b. The pair of coiled bodies COL1 and COL1′ are usedto move the CCD 101 (the mounting stage 15) in the X direction.Moreover, the pair of coiled bodies COL2 and COL2′ are used to move theCCD 101 (the mounting stage 15) in the Y direction. Thus, in thisembodiment, the pair of coiled bodies COL1 and COL1′ function as a firstcoil, and each of the permanent magnets 16 a and 16 b functions as afirst permanent magnet. Moreover, the pair of coiled bodies COL2 andCOL2′ function as a second coil, and each of the permanent magnets 16 aand 16 b functions as a second permanent magnet.

Specifically, a combination of the yoke portion (16 e 1) of the yoke 16e, the permanent magnet 16 a and the coiled body COL2 and a combinationof the yoke portion (16 f 2) of the yoke 16 f, the permanent magnet 16 band the coiled body COL2′ serve as means for driving the mounting stage15 in the Y direction, in other words, function as a drive mechanism inthe Y direction. Moreover, a combination of the yoke 16 g, the permanentmagnet 16 c and the coiled body COL1 and a combination of the yoke 16 h,the permanent magnet 16 d and the coiled body COL1′ serve as means fordriving the mounting stage 15 in the X direction, in other words,function as a drive mechanism in the X direction. Accordingly, the drivemechanisms (drive means) for moving the mounting stage 15 in the X and Ydirections are motors consisting of the coils and the permanent magnets(voice coil motors using electric energy to cause translatory movement).

Moreover, in the coil attachment plate part 15 b as one of the pair ofcoil attachment plate parts 15 a and 15 b, a position detection element1252 a is provided. Similarly, in the coil attachment plate part 15 d asone of the pair of coil attachment plate parts 15 c and 15 d, a positiondetection element 1252 b is provided. The position detection element1252 a is an X position sensor for detecting a position of the mountingstage 15 (the CCD 101) in the X direction. The position detectionelement 1252 b is a Y position sensor for detecting a position of themounting stage 15 (the CCD 101) in the Y direction. As the positiondetection elements 1252 a and 1252 b, hall elements are used in thefirst embodiment.

Here, in the image blur correction device according to the firstembodiment of the present invention, unillustrated blur detection meansis provided on the side of the camera mounted. In the image blurcorrection device, the position of the mounting stage 15 in the Xdirection is detected by the hall element 1252 a and the position of themounting stage 15 in the Y direction is detected by the hall element1252 b. Moreover, the position of the CCD 101 is controlled to be movedto a predetermined position by an unillustrated control circuit so thatimage blur on the CCD 101 due to camera shake is eliminated.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the imageblur correction device according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of the image blur correctiondevice shown in FIG. 1, which is cut along the Y direction at the centerposition in the X direction. In order to clarify positionalrelationships between the CCD 101, the coiled bodies COL2 and COL2′, theurging magnets 15 e and 15 f, the permanent magnets 16 a and 16 b andthe yokes 16 e and 16 f, the other components of the image blurcorrection device are omitted.

FIG. 2 shows a state where the X direction stage 13, the Y directionstage 14 and the mounting stage 15 are properly disposed sequentiallyfrom the bottom. Here, the yokes 16 e and 16 f are fixed to surfaces ofthe permanent magnets 16 a and 16 b, respectively, the surfaces beingopposite to those facing the coiled bodies COL2 and COL2′. Moreover, theyokes 16 e and 16 f consist of the yoke portions 16 e 1 and 16 f 1 andthe extended portions 16 e 2 and 16 f 2, respectively. The yoke portions16 e 1 and 16 f 1 are set to have the same size and shape as those ofthe bottom faces of the permanent magnets 16 a and 16 b. The extendedportions 16 e 2 and 16 f 2 are extended from the yoke portions 16 e 1and 16 f 1 and formed so as to protrude to the center area of the Xdirection stage 13 from the bottom faces of the permanent magnets 16 aand 16 b, respectively. Moreover, at the frame bottom of the mountingstage 15, the urging magnets 15 e and 15 f are provided. The urgingmagnets 15 e and 15 f may have a size that can impart urging forceenabling removal of backlash between the guides (not shown) in themounting stage 15 and the guide shafts 14 a and 14 b and between theguides 17 a, 17 a′, 17 b and 17 b′ and the guide shafts 13 a and 13 b.Here, the removal of backlash means the following. Specifically, forsmooth movement of the mounting stage 15 in the Y direction with respectto the Y direction stage 14, a given amount of space (clearance) isprovided between the guides (not shown) in the mounting stage 15 and theguide shafts 14 a and 14 b in the Y direction stage 14. When themounting stage 15 is moved in the Y axis direction with respect to the Ydirection stage 14, displacement in the Z axis direction, so-calledloose-fitting may be caused by the given amount of space. Moreover, forsmooth movement of the Y direction stage 14 in the X direction withrespect to the X direction stage 13, a given amount of space (clearance)is provided also between the guides 17 a, 17 a′, 17 b and 17 b′ in the Ydirection stage 14 and the guide shafts 13 a and 13 b in the X directionstage 13. Accordingly, loose-fitting may be caused by the given amountof space also between the Y direction stage 14 and the X direction stage13. To deal with this loose-fitting, the mounting stage 15 is urgedtoward the X direction stage 13. This urging allows the guide shafts 14a and 14 b to come into contact with upper surfaces (surfaces holdingthe guide shafts 14 a and 14 b from above) of the guides (not shown) inthe mounting stage 15. Moreover, the above urging also allows the guideshafts 13 a and 13 b to come into contact with upper surfaces (surfacesholding the guide shafts 14 a and 14 b from above) of the guides 17 a,17 a′, 17 b and 17 b′ in the Y direction stage 14. By allowing the guideshafts and the surfaces of the guides to come into contact with eachother as described above, occurrence of the displacement in the Z axisdirection, so-called loose-fitting due to the given amount of space(clearance) is prevented between the mounting stage 15 and the Ydirection stage 14 and between the Y direction stage 14 and the Xdirection stage 13 without inhibiting the smooth movement thereof. Suchprevention of occurrence of loose-fitting is called the removal ofbacklash. Moreover, it is preferable that each of the extended portions16 e 2 and 16 f 2 at least have an area covering a range in which eachof the urging magnets 15 e and 15 f is moved along with movement of themounting stage 15.

As described above, in the CCD stage 1251, the extended portions 16 e 2and 16 f 2 of the yokes 16 e and 16 f are extended to the positionsfacing the urging magnets 15 e and 15 f in the Z direction,respectively. Thus, attractive force acting between the urging magnets15 e and 15 f and the extended portions 16 e 2 and 16 f 2 works so as tourge the mounting stage 15 downward in FIG. 2. Consequently, in the CCDstage 1251, removal of backlash between the guides in the mounting stage15 and the guide shafts 14 a and 14 b in movement of the mounting stage15 and removal of backlash between the guides 17 a, 17 a′, 17 b and 17b′ and the guide shafts 13 a and 13 b in movement of the Y directionstage 14 can be performed.

Moreover, in the CCD stage 1251, the urging magnets 15 e and 15 f andthe extended portions 16 e 2 and 16 f 2 are provided on both sides ofthe CCD 101 when viewed from the Y direction so as to sandwich the CCD101. Accordingly, in the CCD stage 1251, there is no bias in the urgingforce between the guides in the mounting stage 15 and the guide shafts14 a and 14 b and between the guides 17 a, 17 a′, 17 b and 17 b′ and theguide shafts 13 a and 13 b. Thus, the removal of backlash can be surelyperformed.

Furthermore, in the CCD stage 1251, the combination of the urging magnet15 e and the extended portion 16 e 2 of the yoke 16 e and thecombination of the urging magnet 15 f and the extended portion 16 f 2 ofthe yoke 16 f are set to be symmetrical with respect to the X-Z planeincluding the center line connecting the respective coiled bodies COL1and COL1′ and with respect to the Y-Z plane including the center lineconnecting the respective coiled bodies COL2 and COL2′. Therefore, inthe CCD stage 1251, there is no bias in the downward urging forceapplied to the mounting stage 15. Thus, the removal of backlash can besurely performed.

Meanwhile, in the CCD stage 1251, as to each of the combination of theurging magnet 15 e and the extended portion 16 e 2 of the yoke 16 e andthe combination of the urging magnet 15 f and the extended portion 16 f2 of the yoke 16 f, the magnet and the extended portion are disposedclose to each other without having another member, particularly, amagnetic substance interposed therebetween. Thus, in the CCD stage 1251,the removal of backlash can be surely performed with weak magneticforce. Consequently, in the CCD stage 1251, unnecessary magnetic forcecan be prevented from acting on the drive mechanisms for moving themounting stage 15 (the CCD 101) in the X and Y directions, which aremotors consisting of the coils and the permanent magnets. Moreover, inthe CCD stage 1251, it is possible to suppress inhibition of controlover movement of the mounting stage 15 in the X and Y directions by thedrive mechanisms.

In the CCD stage 1251, the combination of the urging magnet 15 e and theextended portion 16 e 2 of the yoke 16 e is provided at a position thatdoes not cross between the permanent magnet 16 a and the coiled bodyCOL2, between the permanent magnet 16 b and the coiled body COL2′,between the permanent magnet 16 c and the coiled body COL1 and betweenthe permanent magnet 16 d and the coiled body COL1′, all of which areset facing each other as the drive mechanisms. Moreover, in the CCDstage 1251, the combination of the urging magnet 15 f and the extendedportion 16 f 2 of the yoke 16 f is also provided at a position that doesnot cross between the permanent magnet 16 a and the coiled body COL2,between the permanent magnet 16 b and the coiled body COL2′, between thepermanent magnet 16 c and the coiled body COL1 and between the permanentmagnet 16 d and the coiled body COL1′, all of which are set facing eachother as the drive mechanisms. Consequently, in the CCD stage 1251,unnecessary magnetic force can be prevented from acting on the drivemechanisms for moving the mounting stage 15 in the X and Y directions.Moreover, in the CCD stage 1251, it is possible to suppress inhibitionof control over the movement of the mounting stage 15 in the X and Ydirections by the drive mechanisms.

Although the urging magnets 15 e and 15 f and the extended portions 16 e2 and 16 f 2 are provided on both the sides of the CCD 101 when viewedfrom the Y direction in this embodiment, the magnets and the extendedportions may be provided on both sides of the CCD 101 when viewed fromthe X direction.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the permanent magnet 16a, the yoke 16 e and the urging magnet 15 e. Moreover, FIG. 4 is a viewshowing an arrangement relationship between the permanent magnet 16 aand the urging magnet 15 e when viewed from the optical axis direction.The urging magnet 15 e consists of two permanent magnets 15 e 1 and 15 e2. The two permanent magnets 15 e 1 and 15 e 2 are arranged parallel toeach other in a horizontal direction toward the permanent magnet 16 a,in other words, are arranged in parallel in an extending direction ofthe permanent magnet 16 a (the X axis direction). The two permanentmagnets 15 e 1 and 15 e 2 are adjacently disposed while havingmagnetization directions set opposite to each other. Here, the permanentmagnet 15 e 1 has its S pole facing the extended portion 16 e 2 of theyoke 16 e and has its N pole opposite thereto. Moreover, on thecontrary, the permanent magnet 15 e 2 has its N pole facing the extendedportion 16 e 2 and has its S pole opposite thereto. Note that thepermanent magnet 16 a includes permanent magnet pieces 16 a 1 and 16 a 2arranged in the Y axis direction. Specifically, the permanent magnetpiece 16 a 1 has its S pole facing the yoke 16 e and has its N poleopposite thereto, and the permanent magnet piece 16 a 2 has its N polefacing the yoke 16 e and has its S pole opposite thereto. The permanentmagnet piece 16 a 1 is disposed on the urging magnet 15 e side.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show forces working (acting) between the permanentmagnet piece 16 a 1 and the permanent magnets 15 e 1 and 15 e 2. Asshown in FIG. 5A, a magnetization direction of the permanent magnetpiece 16 a 1 closer to the urging magnet 15 e in the permanent magnet 16a is the same as the magnetization direction of the permanent magnet 15e 1. Therefore, repulsive force works between the permanent magnet piece16 a 1 and the permanent magnet 15 e 1. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 5B,the magnetization direction of the permanent magnet piece 16 a 1 isopposite to the magnetization direction of the permanent magnet 15 e 2.Therefore, attractive force works between the permanent magnet piece 16a 1 and the permanent magnet 15 e 2. Here, when only one of thepermanent magnets 15 e 1 and 15 e 2 is provided, only one of attractiveforce and repulsive force with respect to the permanent magnet 16 aworks on the mounting stage 15 having the CCD 101 mounted thereon. Thus,the attractive or repulsive force described above is unnecessarily addedto force required for image blur correction, which is generated by thepermanent magnet 16 a and the coiled body COL2 disposed oppositethereto. Accordingly, correction control performance is deteriorated orpower consumption of the coils is increased. In the first embodiment,the urging magnet 15 e is formed of the two adjacent permanent magnets15 e 1 and 15 e 2 having the magnetization directions opposite to eachother. Thus, the repulsive force and the attractive force of the twopermanent magnets 15 e 1 and 15 e 2 acting on the permanent magnet 16 aare canceled. Consequently, generation of the above unnecessary force bythe urging magnet 15 e can be prevented. Moreover, it is preferable thatthe permanent magnets 15 e 1 and 15 e 2 have the same size if the samematerial is used.

Although one configuration example of the image blur correction deviceaccording to the present invention has been described above, permanentmagnets as driving magnets and yokes may be added or the arrangementpositions may be changed. FIGS. 6 and 7 show configuration examples ofthe image blur correction device according to first and second modifiedexamples of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows the first modified example in which permanent magnets asdriving magnets and yokes are added to the configuration of the imageblur correction device shown in FIG. 2. Here, permanent magnets 16 i and16 j and yokes 16 m and 16 n are disposed so as to face the coiledbodies COL2 and COL2′ on a side opposite to the side where the permanentmagnets 16 a and 16 b paired up with the coiled bodies COL2 and COL2′are disposed. The permanent magnets 16 i and 16 j and the yokes 16 m and16 n may be arbitrarily provided in the base member 11 (see FIG. 19) tobe described later or the like. When magnetic force per unit volume isset equal by arranging the permanent magnets so as to sandwich thecoiled bodies COL2 and COL2′ as described above, volumes of thepermanent magnets 16 a, 16 b, 16 i and 16 j can be reduced as comparedwith those in the configuration shown in FIG. 2. As a result,thicknesses thereof can be reduced.

FIG. 7 shows the second modified example in which the arrangementpositions of the permanent magnet as the driving magnet and the yoke arechanged in the configuration of the image blur correction device shownin FIG. 2. Here, the arrangement positions of the permanent magnet 16 band the yoke portion 16 f 1 of the yoke 16 f in FIG. 2 are changed.Specifically, a permanent magnet 16 b′ and a yoke portion 16 f 1′ of theyoke 16 f are arranged so as to face the coiled body COL2′ on theopposite side of the coiled body COL2′ (above the coiled body COL2′ inFIG. 7). In this case, the yoke portion 16 f 1′ and an extended portion16 f 1 may be connected to each other by a connection part which isextended around the coil attachment plate part 15 d having the coiledbody COL2′ provided therein and is indicated by double dashed lines.Thus, a degree of freedom of design for the image blur correction devicecan be increased.

With reference to FIGS. 8 to 12, an image blur correction deviceaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed below. Here, description will be given of an example where amovable frame has a CCD 101 mounted thereon.

The image blur correction device according to the second embodiment ofthe present invention is an image blur: correction device including: amovable frame which is equipped with a lens or an imaging element andhas guides; a fixed frame having guide shafts which movably support themovable frame by, coming into contact with the guides; and a drivemechanism which drives the movable frame for correcting image blur bymoving the movable frame relative to the fixed frame. In the image blurcorrection device, the guide shafts are made of magnetic materials andpermanent magnets are provided above the guide shafts in the movableframe. Specifically, the permanent magnets use attractive force betweenthe magnets and the guide shafts, so as to urge the movable frame in adirection in which the guides and the guide shafts come into contactwith each other.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a CCD stage 1251′ as thesecond embodiment of the image blur correction device according to thepresent invention. The CCD stage 1251′ has the same basic configurationas that of the CCD stage 1251 in the first embodiment. Thus, the samefunctional parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as those inthe first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As in the case of the CCD stage 1251 in the first embodiment, the CCDstage 1251′ as the second embodiment of the image blur correction deviceaccording to the present invention includes: a mounting stage 15′ thatis a first movable frame and also a Y movable frame, which has a CCD 101mounted thereon; a Y direction stage 14′ that is a second movable frameand also an X movable frame; and an X direction stage 13′ that is afixed frame.

In the Y direction stage 14′, first and second guide shafts 14 a′ and 14b′ are fixed parallel to each other, which are first-direction (Y axisdirection) guide shafts and are made of magnetic materials. Unlike themounting stage 15 in the first embodiment, no urging magnets 15 e and 15f are provided in the mounting stage 15′. In the mounting stage 15′,provided are: first and second guides 15 g and 15 g′ (see FIG. 9) whichhave holes into which the first guide shaft 14 a′ is inserted; and athird guide 15 h (see FIG. 9) which has a U-shaped groove into which thesecond guide shaft 14 b′ is inserted. Thus, the first guide 15 g, thesecond guide 15 g′ and the third guide 15 h function as first-direction(Y axis direction) guides. The respective guides 15 g, 15 g′ and 15 hmovably hold the mounting stage 15′ at three spots while coming intocontact with the respective guide shafts 14 a′ and 14 b′ in the Ydirection stage 14′. Thus, the mounting stage 15′ can be moved, whilemaintaining its posture, in an extending direction of the guide shafts14 a′ and 14 b′, in other words, in a Y direction that is a guidedirection of the first-direction guides.

Moreover, unlike the X direction stage 13 in the first embodiment, noyokes 16 e to 16 h are provided in the X direction stage 13′. In the Xdirection stage 13′, first and second guide shafts 13 a′ and 13 b′ arefixed parallel to each other, which are second-direction (X axisdirection) guide shafts and are made of magnetic materials. In the Ydirection stage 14′, provided are: first and second guides 17 a and 17a′ having holes into which the first guide shaft 13 a′ is inserted; anda third guide 17 b″ having a U-shaped groove into which the second guideshaft 13 b′ is inserted. Thus, the first guide 17 a, the second guide 17a′ and the third guide 17 b″ function as second-direction (X axisdirection) guides. The respective guides 17 a, 17 a′ and 17 b″ movablyhold the Y direction stage 14′ at three spots while coming into contactwith both the guide shafts 13 a′ and 13 b′ in the X direction stage 13′.Thus, the Y direction stage 14′ can be moved, while maintaining itsposture, in an extending direction of both the guide shafts 13 a′ and 13b′, in other words, in an X direction that is a guide direction of thesecond-direction guides. Thus, the CCD 101 mounted on the mounting stage15′ can be moved in an arbitrary direction on an X-Y plane.

FIG. 9 shows, in its lower part, a schematic side view of the mountingstage 15′ in the CCD stage 1251′ of the second embodiment when viewedfrom the X direction. Moreover, FIG. 9 also shows, in its upper part, arelationship among the respective guides 15 g, 15 g′ and 15 h in themounting stage 15′, respective urging magnets 15 mg, 15 mg′ and 15 mhprovided thereon, and both the guide shafts 14 a′ and 14 b′ in the Ydirection stage 14′.

Here, the urging magnet 15 mg made of a permanent magnet is provided onthe first guide 15 g. The urging magnet 15 mg′ made of a permanentmagnet is provided on the second guide 15 g′. The urging magnet 15 mhmade of a permanent magnet is provided on the third guide 15 h. Therespective urging magnets 15 mg, 15 mg′ and 15 mh are provided so as toface both the guide shafts 14 a′ and 14 b′ in a Z axis direction. Therespective urging magnets 15 mg, 15 mg′ and 15 mh urge the first andsecond guide shafts 14 a′ and 14 b′ facing therewith so as to attractboth the guide shafts 14 a′ and 14 b′ toward one side in each of theguides 15 g, 15 g′ and 15 h by attracting the guide shafts. Thus,removal of backlash is performed in the above manner.

As described above, in the CCD stage 1251′, the urging magnets 15 mg, 15mg′ and 15 mh are attached to the guides 15 g, 15 g′ and 15 h. Thus, inthe CCD stage 1251′, good distance accuracy is realized between theurging magnets 15 mg, 15 mg′ and 15 mh and the guide shafts 14 a′ and 14b′ as magnetic bodies in positioning thereof. Moreover, there is alsohardly a variation in urging force. Thus, stable removal of backlash canbe performed.

Moreover, in the CCD stage 1251′; combinations of the urging magnets 15mg, 15 mg′ and 15 mh and both the guide shafts 14 a′ and 14 b′ arearranged on both sides of the CCD 101 so as to sandwich the CCD 101.Accordingly, in the CCD stage 1251′, there is no bias in the urgingforce acting on the mounting stage 15′ when both the guide shafts 14 a′and 14 b′ are attracted toward one side in each of the guides 15 g, 15g′ and 15 h. Thus, the removal of backlash can be surely performed.

Furthermore, in the CCD stage 1251′, the urging magnets 15 mg, 15 mg′and 15 mh are attached to the guides 15 g, 15 g′ and 15 h. Thus, in theCCD stage 1251′, the urging magnets 15 mg, 15 mg′ and 15 mh and thefirst and second guide shafts 14 a′ and 14 b′, which are urged so as tobe attracted by attractive force of the magnets, can be disposed closeto each other. Thus, in the CCD stage 1251′, the removal of backlash canbe surely performed with weak magnetic force. Consequently, in the CCDstage 1251′, unnecessary magnetic force can be prevented from acting ondrive mechanisms for moving the mounting stage 15′ in the X and Ydirections, which are motors consisting of coils and permanent magnets.Moreover, it is possible to suppress inhibition of control over movementof the mounting stage 15′ in the X and Y directions by the drivemechanisms.

In the CCD stage 1251′, the combinations of the urging magnets 15 mg, 15mg′ and 15 mh and both the guide shafts 14 a′ and 14 b′ are provided atpositions that do not cross between a permanent magnet 16 a and a coiledbody COL2, between a permanent magnet 16 b and a coiled body COL2′,between a permanent magnet 16 c and a coiled body COL1 and between apermanent magnet 16 d and a coiled body COL1′, all of which are setfacing each other so as to function as the drive mechanisms for movingthe mounting stage 15′ in the X and Y directions. Consequently, in theCCD stage 1251′, unnecessary magnetic force can be prevented from actingon the drive mechanisms for moving the mounting stage 15′ in the X and Ydirections. Moreover, it is possible to suppress inhibition of controlover the movement of the mounting stage 15′ in the X and Y directions bythe drive mechanisms.

Moreover, FIG. 10 shows a relationship among the respective guides 17 a,17 a′ and 17 b″ in the Y direction stage 14′, urging magnets 17 ma, 17ma′ and 17 mb″ and both the guide shafts 13 a′ and 13 b′ in the Xdirection stage 13′ in the CCD stage 1251′.

In the Y direction stage 14′, the urging magnet 17 ma made of apermanent magnet is provided on the first guide 17 a. Moreover, theurging magnet 17 ma′ made of a permanent magnet is provided on thesecond guide 17 a′. Furthermore, the urging magnet 17 mb″ made of apermanent magnet is provided on the third guide 17 b″. The urgingmagnets 17 ma, 17 ma′ and 17 mb″ are provided so as to face both theguide shafts 13 a′ and 13 b′ in the Z direction. The respective urgingmagnets 17 ma, 17 ma′ and 17 mb″ urge the first and second guide shafts13 a′ and 13 b′ in the X direction stage 13′ facing therewith so as toattract both the guide shafts 13 a′ and 13 b′ toward one side in each ofthe guides 17 a, 17 a′ and 17 b″ by attracting the guide shafts. Thus,removal of backlash is performed in the above manner.

As mentioned above, in the CCD stage 1251′, the urging magnets 17 ma, 17ma′ and 17 mb″ are attached to the respective guides 17 a, 17 a′ and 17b″ in the Y direction stage 14′. Thus, in the CCD stage 1251′, gooddistance accuracy is realized between the urging magnets 17 ma, 17 ma′and 17 mb″ and the guide shafts 13 a′ and 13 b′ as magnetic bodies inpositioning thereof. Moreover, there is also hardly a variation inurging force. Thus, stable removal of backlash can be performed.

Moreover, in the CCD stage 1251′, combinations of the urging magnets 17ma, 17 ma′ and 17 mb″ and both the guide shafts 13 a′ and 13 b′ arearranged on both sides of the CCD 101 so as to sandwich the CCD 101.Accordingly, in the CCD stage 1251′, by attracting both the guide shafts13 a′ and 13 b′ toward one side in each of the guides 17 a, 17 a′ and 17b″, no bias occurs in the urging force acting on the Y direction stage14′. Thus, the removal of backlash can be surely performed.

Furthermore, in the CCD stage 1251′, the urging magnets 17 ma, 17 ma′and 17 mb″ are attached to the guides 17 a, 17 a′ and 17 b″. Thus, inthe CCD stage 1251′, the urging magnets 17 ma, 17 ma′ and 17 mb″ and thefirst and second guide shafts 13 a′ and 13 b′, which are urged so as tobe attracted by attractive force of the magnets, can be disposed closeto each other. Thus, in the CCD stage 1251′, the removal of backlash canbe surely performed with weak magnetic force. Consequently, unnecessarymagnetic force can be prevented from acting on the drive mechanisms formoving the mounting stage 15′ in the X and Y directions, which are themotors consisting of the coils and the permanent magnets. Moreover, itis possible to suppress inhibition of control over movement of themounting stage 15′ in the X and Y directions by the drive mechanisms.

In the CCD stage 1251′, the combinations of the urging magnets 17 ma, 17ma′ and 17 mb″ and both the guide shafts 13 a′ and 13 b′ are provided atpositions that do not cross between the permanent magnet 16 a and thecoiled body COL2, between the permanent magnet 16 b and the coiled bodyCOL2′, between the permanent magnet 16 c and the coiled body COL1 andbetween the permanent magnet 16 d and the coiled body COL1′, all ofwhich are set facing each other so as to function as the drivemechanisms for moving the mounting stage 15′ in the X and Y directions.Consequently, in the CCD stage 1251′, unnecessary magnetic force can beprevented from acting on the drive mechanisms for moving the mountingstage 15′ in the X and Y directions. Moreover, it is possible tosuppress inhibition of control over the movement of the mounting stage15′ in the X and Y directions by the drive mechanisms.

In the second embodiment, the same effects can be achieved even if thepositions of the guides are switched with those of the guide shafts in,the configuration shown in FIG. 8. Specifically, in the Y directionstage 14′, provided are: a first guide (15 g) and a second guide (15g′), both of which have holes into which a first guide shaft (14 a′) isinserted; and a third guide (15 h) having a U-shaped groove into which asecond guide shaft (14 b′) is inserted. Moreover, in the mounting stage15′, the first guide shaft (14 a′) and the second guide shaft (14 b′)are fixed parallel to each other. By supporting the mounting stage 15′having the CCD 101 mounted thereon at three spots as described above,the mounting stage 15′ is movably supported, while maintaining itsposture, in an extending direction of the guide shafts (14 a′ and 14b′). Three urging magnets (15 mg, 15 mg′ and 15 mh), which are permanentmagnets, are provided at positions facing the guide shafts in the Z axisdirection on the three guides (15 g, 15 g′ and 15 h), respectively. Thethree urging magnets (15 mg, 15 mg′ and 15 mh) can surely eliminatebacklash between the guides (15 g, 15 g′ and 15 h) and the guide shafts(14 a′ and 14 b′) in movement of the mounting stage 15′ by use ofattractive force between the magnets and the guide shafts (14 a′ and 14b′). Specifically, since the urging magnets are attached to the guides,good distance accuracy is realized between the urging magnets (15 mg, 15mg′ and 15 mh) and the guide shafts (14 a′ and 14 b′) as magnetic bodiesin positioning thereof. Moreover, there is also hardly a variation inurging force. Thus, stable removal of backlash can be performed.

Moreover, in the second embodiment, adopted is the configuration inwhich the guide 17 b″ on which the urging magnet 17 mb″ is providedholds one end of the guide shaft 13 b′ in the Y direction stage 14′.However, the present invention is not limited to the above example. Forexample, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the permanentmagnet 16 b is provided so as to be divided on both ends of the guideshaft 13 b′ while the guide shaft 13 b′ is held therebetween. In thiscase, when removal of backlash is performed by use of attractive forceacting between the three urging magnets and both the guide shafts, the Ydirection stage 14′ and the X direction stage 13′ can be stablyattracted to each other. Thus, the removal of backlash can be moresurely performed.

With reference to FIG. 11, description will be given of a modifiedexample of the second embodiment of the image blur correction deviceaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view in the X direction, showing a mountingstage 15′-1 in a CCD stage 1251′-1 as the image blur correction deviceaccording to the modified example of the second embodiment of thepresent invention.

In the mounting stage 15′-1, an urging magnet holding member 15 i isprovided in an intermediate portion between a first guide 15 g and asecond guide 15 g′. In the mounting stage 15′-1, an urging magnet 15 miis provided on the urging magnet holding member 15 i instead of theurging magnet 15 mg on the first guide 15 g and the urging magnet 15 mg′on the second guide 15 g′.

In the CCD stage 1251′-1, the urging magnet 15 mi provided on the urgingmagnet holding member 15 i faces a first guide shaft 14 a′ in the Z axisdirection between the mounting stage 15′-1 and a Y direction stage 14′.Moreover, in the CCD stage 1251′-1, an urging magnet 15 mh provided on athird guide 15 h faces a second guide shaft 14 b′ in the Z axisdirection. Thus, in the CCD stage 1251′-1, backlash between both theguide shafts 14 a′ and 14 b′ and the respective guides 15 g, 15 g′ and15 h can be surely eliminated by attractive force between the two urgingmagnets 15 mh and 15 mi and both the guide shafts 14 a′ and 14 b′.Moreover, the number of urging magnets can be reduced. Note that theconfiguration of the image blur correction device according to themodified example of the second embodiment is the same as that of thesecond embodiment except for the urging magnet holding member 15 idescribed above and the urging magnet 15 mi provided thereon and exceptthat the urging magnets 15 mg and 15 mg′ are not provided.

Moreover, in a support relationship between a Y direction stage 14′-1and an X direction stage 13′-1 in the CCD stage 1251′-1 according to themodified example of the second embodiment, the configuration shown inFIG. 11 may be adopted. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, in the Ydirection stage 14′-1, an urging magnet holding member 17 c is providedin an intermediate portion between a first guide 17 a and a second guide17 a′. In the Y direction stage 14′-1, an urging magnet 17 mc isprovided on the urging magnet holding member 17 c instead of the urgingmagnet 17 ma on the first guide 17 a and the urging magnet 17 ma′ on thesecond guide 17 a′.

In the CCD stage 1251′-1, the urging magnet 17 ci provided on the urgingmagnet holding member 17 c faces a first guide shaft 13 a′ in the Z axisdirection between the Y direction stage 14′-1 and the X direction stage13′-1. Moreover, in the CCD stage 1251′-1, an urging magnet 17 mb″provided on a third guide 17 b″ faces a second guide shaft 13 b′ in theZ axis direction. Thus, in the CCD stage 1251′-1, backlash between boththe guide shafts 13 a′ and 13 b′ and the respective guides 17 a, 17 a′and 17 b″ can be surely eliminated by attractive force between the twourging magnets 17 mb″ and 17 mc and both the guide shafts 13 a′ and 13b′. Moreover, the number of urging magnets can be reduced. Note that theconfiguration of the image blur correction device according to themodified example of the second embodiment is the same as that of thesecond embodiment except for the urging magnet holding member 17 cdescribed above and the urging magnet 17 mc provided thereon and exceptthat the urging magnets 17 ma and 17 ma′ are not provided.

Next, description will be given of a camera as an embodiment of animaging apparatus according to the present invention. The imagingapparatus of this embodiment includes the image blur correction deviceaccording to the first or second embodiment described above (any ofthose shown in FIGS. 1 to 12). Moreover, image blur correction in thepresent invention means camera shake correction, subject movementcorrection and the like. Here, description will be given of the camerashake correction.

(General Configuration of Digital Camera)

FIG. 13 is a front view showing an example of a digital still camera(hereinafter also referred to as a camera) as the imaging apparatusaccording to the present invention. FIG. 14 is a back view of thecamera. FIG. 15 is a top view of the camera. FIG. 16 is a circuit blockdiagram schematically showing a configuration of an inner system of thedigital still camera.

In FIG. 13, on an upper surface of a camera main body (main body case),a release switch (release shutter) SW1, a mode dial SW2 and a sub liquidcrystal display (also called a sub-LCD) 1 shown in FIG. 15 are provided.

On a front surface of the camera main body, a lens barrel unit 7including a photographing lens, an optical finder 4, a stroboscopiclight emitting part 3, a ranging unit 5 and a remote-control lightreceiving part 6 are provided.

On a back surface of the camera, as shown in FIG. 14, a power switchSW13, an LCD monitor 18, an AF LED 8, a stroboscopic LED 9, the opticalfinder 4, a wide-angle zoom switch SW3, a telescopic zoom switch SW4, aself-timer set/reset switch SW5, a menu switch SW6, an upwardmovement/stroboscopic setting switch SW7, a rightward movement switchSW8, a display switch SW9, a downward movement/macro switch SW10, aleftward movement/image confirmation switch SW11, an OK switch SW12 anda camera shake correction switch SW14 are provided. On a side face ofthe camera main body, a cover 2 for a memory card/battery loading slotis provided.

Since functions and operations of the respective members described abovehave heretofore been known, description thereof is omitted. Next, theconfiguration of the inner system of the camera will be described.

In FIG. 16, reference numeral 104 denotes a digital still cameraprocessor (hereinafter also referred to as a processor).

The processor 104 has an A/D converter 10411, a CCD1 signal processingblock 1041, a CCD2 signal processing block 1042, a CPU block 1043, alocal SRAM 1044, a USB block 1045, a serial block 1046, a JPEG CODECblock 1047 (which performs JPEG compression and decompression), a RESIZEblock 1048 (which increases and reduces a size of image data throughinterpolation), a TV signal display block 1049 (which converts the imagedata into a video signal so as to display the image data on an externaldisplay device such as a liquid crystal monitor and a TV), and a memorycard controller block 10410 (which performs control of a memory cardstoring photographed image data). The respective blocks described aboveare connected to each other by a bus line.

Outside of the processor 104, a SDRAM 103 is provided. This SDRAM 103 isconnected to the processor 104 via a memory controller (not shown) and abus line. The SDRAM 103 stores RAW-RGB image data (image data subjectedto white balance setting and γ setting), YUV image data (image datasubjected to luminance data and color difference data conversion), andJPEG image data (image data subjected to JPEG compression).

On the outside of the processor 104, further provided are a RAM 107, anembedded memory 120 (a memory for storing photographed image data evenif no memory card is loaded in a memory card throttle), and a ROM 108storing a control program, parameters and the like, all of which arealso connected to the processor 104 via a bus line.

The control program is loaded into a main memory (not shown) of theprocessor 104 when the power switch SW13 of the camera is turned on. Theprocessor 104 controls operations of respective parts according to thecontrol program and also temporarily stores control data, parameters andthe like in the RAM 107 or the like.

The lens barrel unit 7 comprises a lens barrel including a zoom opticalsystem 71 having a zoom lens 71 a, a focus optical system 72 having afocus lens 72 a, an aperture stop unit 73 having an aperture stop 73 aand a mechanical shutter unit 74 having a mechanical shutter 74 a.

The zoom optical system 71 is driven by a zoom motor 71 b and the focusoptical system 72 is driven by a focus motor 72 b. Moreover, theaperture stop unit 73 is driven by an aperture stop motor 73 b and themechanical shutter unit 74 is driven by a mechanical shutter motor 74 b.

The respective motors are driven by a motor driver 75, which iscontrolled by the CPU block 1043 of the processor 104.

A subject image is formed on the CCD 101 by each lens system of the lensbarrel unit 7. The CCD 101 converts the subject image into an imagesignal and outputs the image signal to an F/E-IC 102. The F/E-IC 102includes a CDS 1021 which performs correlated double sampling toeliminate image noise, an AGC 1022 for gain adjustment and an A/Dconverter 1023 which performs analog-digital conversion. Specifically,the F/E-IC 102 performs predetermined processing to the image signal toconvert an analog image signal to a digital signal, and outputs thedigital signal to the CCD1 signal processing block 1041 of the processor104.

These signal control processes are performed via a TG 1024 according toa vertical synchronization signal VD and a horizontal synchronizationsignal HD outputted from the CCD1 signal processing block 1041 of theprocessor 104. The TG 1024 generates a driving timing signal on thebasis of the vertical synchronization signal VD and the horizontalsynchronization signal HD.

The CPU block 1043 of the processor 104 is configured to control a voicerecording operation by a voice recording circuit 1151. A voice isconverted into a voice recording signal by a microphone 1153 and thesignal is amplified by a microphone amplifier 1152. The voice recordingcircuit 1151 records the amplified signal according to a command. TheCPU block 1043 also controls an operation of a sound reproductioncircuit 1161. The sound reproduction circuit 1161 reproduces a soundsignal appropriately stored in a memory by a command and outputs thesound signal to an audio amplifier 1162 so as to output the sound from aspeaker 1163.

Furthermore, the CPU block 1043 controls a stroboscopic circuit 114 soas to emit illumination light from the stroboscopic light emitting part3. In addition, the CPU block 1043 also controls the ranging unit 5.

The CPU block 1043 is connected to a sub-CPU 109 of the processor 104and the sub-CPU 109 controls display on the sub-LCD 1 via an LCD driver111. The sub-CPU 109 is further connected to the AF LED 8, thestroboscopic LED 9, the remote-control light receiving part 6, anoperation key unit having the operation switches SW1 to SW14, and abuzzer 113.

The USB block 1045 is connected to a USB connector 122, and the serialblock 1046 is connected to an RS-232C connector 1232 through a serialdriver circuit 1231. The TV signal display block 1049 is connected tothe LCD monitor 18 via an LCD driver 117 and also connected to a videojack 119 (for connecting the camera to an external display device suchas a TV) via a video amplifier 118. The video amplifier 118 is anamplifier for matching an output impedance of the video jack 119 with aninput impedance of a connection terminal connected thereto. In thisembodiment, the video amplifier 118 sets the output impedance of thevideo jack 119 to 75Q so as to conform to an input impedance standardset in the connection terminal. The memory card controller block 10410is connected to a contact point provided in a memory card slot 121 to bean electrical connection point to a card contact point of a memory card(not shown) inserted into the memory card slot 121.

The LCD driver 117 drives the LCD monitor 18 and also converts the videosignal outputted from the TV signal display block 1049 into a signal tobe displayed on the LCD monitor 18. The LCD monitor 18 is used tomonitor a state of the subject before photographing, confirm aphotographed image and display image data recorded in the memory card orthe embedded memory 120.

In the main body of the camera, a fixation tube (to be described later)which constitutes a part of the lens barrel unit 7. In the fixationtube, a CCD stage 1251 is provided so as to be movable in X and Ydirections. The CCD 101 is mounted on the COD stage 1251 whichconstitutes a part of a camera shake correction mechanism. A detailedmechanical structure of the CCD stage 1251 is as already describedabove.

The CCD stage 1251 is driven by an actuator 1255. The actuator 1255 iscontrolled by a driver 1254. The driver 1254 includes coil drives MD1and MD2. The driver 1254 is connected to an analog-digital converterIC1. The analog-digital converter IC1 is connected to the ROM 108 andreceives the control data from the ROM 108.

In the fixation tube, an origin position forced retention mechanism 1263is provided. The origin position forced retention mechanism 1263 retainsthe CCD stage 1251 at a center position when the camera shake correctionswitch SW14 is off or the power switch SW13 is off. The origin positionforced retention mechanism 1263 is controlled by a stepping motor STM1as an actuator. The stepping motor STM1 is driven by a driver 1261 towhich the control data is inputted from the ROM 108.

A position detection element 1252 is attached to the CCD stage 1251. Adetection output of the position detection element 1252 is inputted toan amplifier 1253. The amplifier 1253 amplifies the received detectionoutput of the position detection element 1252 and outputs the amplifiedoutput to the A/D converter 10411. A gyro sensor 1241 is provided in themain body of the camera to detect rotations in the X and Y directions(rotations around X and Y axes). A detection output of the gyro sensor1241 is outputted to the A/D converter 10411 via an amplifier 1242 whichalso serves as a low-pass filter.

Next, general operations of the camera according to this embodiment willbe schematically described.

If the mode dial SW2 is set to a photographing mode, the camera isstarted in the photographing mode. Meanwhile, if the mode dial SW2 isset to a replay mode, the camera is started in the replay mode. Theprocessor 104 determines whether a switch condition of the mode dial SW2is in the photographing mode or the replay mode (S.1 in FIG. 17).

Moreover, the processor 104 controls the motor driver 75 to move thelens barrel of the lens barrel unit 7 to a photographable position.Furthermore, the processor 104 powers on the respective circuits such asthe CCD 101, the F/E-IC 102 and the LCD monitor 18 to start theoperation. When the respective circuits are powered on, an operation ina finder mode is started.

In the finder mode, light made incident on an imaging element (the CCD101) through each of the lens systems is photo-electrically convertedinto analog signals of R, G and B to be sent to the CDS circuit 1021 andthe A/D converter 1023. The A/D converter 1023 converts the analogsignals into digital signals. Thereafter, the digital signals areconverted into YUV data by a YUV converter disposed in a digital signalprocessor IC (the SDRAM 103) and written into a frame memory by a memorycontroller (not shown).

The YUV signal is read by the memory controller and sent to a TV (notshown) or the LCD monitor 18 through the TV signal display block 1049.Thus, the photographed image is displayed on the TV (not shown) or theLCD monitor 18. This processing is performed at intervals of 1/30seconds. Thus, the display on the TV (not shown) or the LCD monitor 18in the finder mode is renewed at every 1/30 seconds. More specifically,monitoring processing is carried out (S.2 in FIG. 17). Next, theprocessor 104 determines whether or not the setting of the mode dial SW2has been changed (S.3 in FIG. 17). If the setting of the mode dial SW2remains in the photographing mode, photographing processing is carriedout by operating the release switch SW1 (S.4 in FIG. 17).

In the replay mode, the processor 104 displays the photographed image onthe LCD monitor 18 (S.5 in FIG. 17). Next, the processor 104 determineswhether or not the setting of the mode dial SW2 has been changed (S.6 inFIG. 17). If the setting of the mode dial SW2 has been changed, theprocess moves to S.1. If the setting of the mode dial SW2 has not beenchanged, the process of S.5 is repeated.

(Principles of Camera Shake Correction)

FIG. 18A is a view for explaining principles of camera shake correction.FIG. 18A shows a state of the digital camera without camera shake asindicated by a solid line and an inclined state thereof indicated by adotted line. Moreover, FIG. 18B is a view for explaining the principlesof camera shake correction and is also a partially enlarged view showinga relationship between the photographing lens of the camera main bodyand the imaging surface of the CCD 101.

When there is no camera shake and the imaging surface of the CCD 101 isat a position P1, in other words, at a center position in a range ofmovement thereof, a subject image is assumed to be projected on anorigin O. Here, if the camera is inclined in a θ (θx, θy) direction bythe camera shake, the imaging surface is moved to a position P2 and thesubject image is moved to O′. In this case, the imaging surface is movedin parallel by dx in the X direction and dy in the Y direction such thatthe position of the imaging surface is set to P1. Thus, the subjectimage is returned to the origin position O.

(Mechanical Configuration of Image Blur Correction Mechanism)

FIG. 19 is a front view of the fixation tube. FIG. 20 is a verticalcross-sectional view of the fixation tube. FIG. 21 is a back view of thefixation tube. In FIGS. 19 to 21, reference numeral 10 denotes thefixation tube. The fixation tube 10 has a boxy shape and inside thereofis used as a storage space for holding the lens barrel. The fixationtube 10 is disposed in a main body case (the camera main body) at adefined position in relation to a photographing optical axis. Aplate-like base member 11 having an approximately rectangular shape inwhole is attached to a rear surface of the fixation tube 10. A helicoid12 is formed at an inner peripheral wall of the fixation tube 10 forextending or collapsing the lens barrel. The fixation tube 10 has atleast two notched corner portions. One of the corner portions 10 a isused as an installation portion of a stepping motor STM to be describedlater, and the other corner portion 10 b is used as a bending portion ofa flexible printed board 20 to be described later.

The CCD stage 1251 is provided in the base member 11. The CCD stage 1251is the image blur correction device according to the embodiment of thepresent invention, and any of those shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 can beadopted, for example. Hereinafter, description will be given of the casewhere the CCD stage 1251 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is adopted.

The CCD 101 on the CCD stage 1251 is electrically connected to the F/EIC 102 via the flexible printed board 20 (see FIG. 22). The hallelements 1252 a and 1252 b provided in the CCD stage 1251 areelectrically connected to the operational amplifier 1253 via theflexible printed board 20. Furthermore, the respective coiled bodiesCOL1, COL1′, COL 2 and COL2′ provided in the CCD stage 1251 areelectrically connected to the coil driver 1254 via the flexible printedboard 20.

(Mechanical Configuration of Origin Position Forced Retention Mechanism)

As shown in enlarged views of FIGS. 22 and 23, the origin positionforced retention mechanism 1263 has the stepping motor STM1. Amechanical configuration of the origin position forced retentionmechanism 1263 will be first described in detail, and driving andcontrolling of the stepping motor STM1 will be described below.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 22, the stepping motor STM1 is disposed at thecorner portion 10 a of the fixation tube 10. An output gear 21 isprovided on an output shaft 30 of the stepping motor STM1. A conversionmechanism 22 which converts rotational movement into linear movement isprovided at the corner portion 10 a of the fixation tube 10.

The conversion mechanism 22 roughly consists of a rotation transferringgear 23, a reciprocating shaft 24, a coil biasing spring 25, a forcedretainer plate 26 and a spring bearing member 27. At the corner portion10 a of the fixation tube 10, a pair of supporting portions 28 and 29are formed with a space therebetween in the Z axis direction. Thesupporting portion 28 is formed of a motor attachment plate. Thereciprocating shaft 24 is supported by crossing the motor attachmentplate 28 and the supporting portion 29. The rotation transferring gear23 is positioned between the pair of supporting portions 28 and 29 to berotatably supported by the reciprocating shaft 24 and engaged with theoutput gear 21.

One end portion of the reciprocating shaft 24 penetrates the supportingportion 29 and faces a back surface of the base member 11. The coilbiasing spring 25 is provided between the spring bearing member 27 andthe supporting portion 29. The reciprocating shaft 24 is biased towardthe supporting portion 28 by the coil biasing spring 25. Thereciprocating shaft 24 includes a step portion 24 a to be engaged withan end face of a shaft hole of the rotation transferring gear 23.

As shown in FIGS. 24A to 24E, a cam groove 31 is formed at one endportion of the rotation transferring gear 23. The cam groove 31 isextended in a circumferential direction of the rotation transferringgear 23 and includes a flat valley floor portion 31 a, a flat peakportion 31 b, and an inclined surface portion 31 c inclined continuouslyfrom the flat valley floor portion 31 a toward the flat peak portion 31b. Between the flat valley floor portion 31 a and the flat peak portion31 b, a steep cliff 31 d is formed as a contact wall with which a campin to be described later comes into contact from the rotationdirection.

A cam pin 32 is fixed to the supporting portion 28, and a top end of thecam pin 32 slidably comes into contact with the cam groove 31. A lengthin the rotation direction of the flat valley floor portion 31 a, inother words, a length in the rotation direction from the steep cliff 31d to an inclination start position 31 e of the inclined surface portion31 c is equivalent to 2 pulses of a rotation control signal of thestepping motor STM1.

A length in the rotation direction of the inclined surface portion 31 c,in other words, a length in the rotation direction from the inclinationstart position 31 e to an inclination end position 31 f leading to theflat peak portion 31 b is equivalent to 30 pulses of the rotationcontrol signal of the stepping motor STM1.

A length in the rotation direction of the flat peak portion 31 b, inother words, a length in the rotation direction from the inclination endposition 31 f to the steep cliff 31 d is equivalent to 3 pulses of therotation control signal of the stepping motor STM1. Then, 35 pulses ofthe stepping motor STM1 correspond to one rotation of the rotationtransferring gear 23. The reciprocating shaft 24 completes onetime-reciprocation in the Z axial direction by one rotation of therotation transferring gear 23.

The forced retainer plate 26 is provided on the back surface of the basemember 11. The forced retainer plate 26 is extended toward the center ofthe CCD 101 as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B. The forced retainer plate 26has a base end portion 26 a fixed to one end of the reciprocating shaft24 and also has a free end portion 26 b to which a tapered retention pin33 is fixed. Moreover, a guide shaft 26 c is formed so as to project inthe middle of the extending direction of the forced retainer plate 26.

In the base member 11, positioning projections 11 a and 11 b, a coilattachment projection 11 c and an engagement projection 11 d areprovided. The coil attachment projection 11 c has a wound portion 34 aof a torsion coil spring 34 attached thereto. The torsion coil spring 34has one end portion 34 b engaged with the engagement projection 11 d andthe other end portion 34 c engaged with the guide shaft 26 c. In thebase member 11, a guide hole (not shown) is formed, which guides theguide shaft 26 c.

While coming into contact with the positioning projection 11 a by thetorsion coil spring 34, the forced retainer plate 26 is reciprocated ina direction (Z axis direction) separating from or approaching the basemember 11 along the reciprocation of the reciprocating shaft 24. Theguide shaft 26 c functions to stabilize the reciprocation of the forcedretainer plate 26.

The retention pin (fitting projection) 33 is configured to fit into therecess (fitting hole) 19 a so as to fulfill its function formechanically retaining the mounting stage 15 on the origin position O.As shown in an enlarged view of FIG. 25A, a state where a peripheralwall 33 a of the retention pin 33 is closely fitted to a recessperipheral wall 19 b of the protection plate 19 corresponds to a holdstandby position of the cam pin 32. As shown in an enlarged view of FIG.25B, a state where the peripheral wall 33 a of the retention pin 33 isseparated from the recess peripheral wall 19 b of the protection plate19 at the maximum interval corresponds to a release standby position ofthe cam pin 32. The hold standby position of the cam pin 32 is also aforced origin position of the mounting stage 15.

(How to Fold Printed Board)

The flexible printed board 20 (hereinafter also referred to as theprinted board 20) includes a CCD connection part 201, a coil connectionpart 202, a position detection element connection part 203, a blockcircuit connection part 204 and a connection extension part 205. FIG. 26is a development view of the printed board 20 viewed from the front sideof the CCD connection part 201. FIG. 27 is a development view of theprinted board 20 viewed from the back side of the CCD connection part201, showing a state where the printed board 20 is attached onto the CCDstage 1251.

As shown in FIG. 26, the CCD connection part 201 has a connectionpattern portion 201 a corresponding to a connection pin of the CCD 101and a through-hole 201 b corresponding to the recess 19 a of theprotection plate 19. Moreover, although not shown in FIG. 26, the coilconnection part 202 has a connection pattern portion provided therein,which can be electrically connected to each of the coil bodies COL1,COL1′, COL2 and COL2′ (hereinafter also referred to as each of thecoiled bodies COL). Furthermore, the position detection elementconnection part 203 has a connection pattern portion provided therein,which can be electrically connected to the position detection element1252. The block circuit connection part 204 has a connection patternportion 204 a which is electrically connected to the system blockcircuits such as the F/E-IC 102, the operational amplifier 1253 and thecoil driver 1254. Thus, the system block circuits are electricallyconnected to the CCD connection part 201, the coil connection part 202and the position detection element connection part 203 through theconnection extension part 205.

In this embodiment, the connection extension part 205 is configured tobranch into a first connection extension part 206 and a secondconnection extension part 207. The second connection extension part 207is formed to overlap with the first connection extension part 206 whenthe connection extension part 205 is folded along the straight lines aand b. The second connection extension part 207 has the same structureas that of the first connection extension part 206 when front and backsides of the second connection extension part 207 are reversed. Thus,detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The first connection extension part 206 has a first straight portion208, a first curved portion 209, a second straight portion 210, a secondcurved portion 211 and a third straight portion 212. The first straightportion 208 is extended from the CCD connection part 201, which isdisposed on the back surface of the CCD 101 in assembly, in a direction(a direction toward the corner portion 10 b) inclined at about 45degrees with respect to the Y axis direction and the X axis direction(see FIG. 27). The first curved portion 209 has a fan shape as a wholeand has an apex angle of about 45 degrees. Moreover, the first curvedportion 209 connects the first straight portion 208 and the secondstraight portion 210 without changing their width dimensions. The secondstraight portion 210 is extended along the X axis direction. The secondcurved portion 211 has a fan shape as a whole and has an apex angle ofabout 90 degrees. Moreover, the second curved portion 211 connects thesecond straight portion 210 and the third straight portion 212 withoutchanging their width dimensions. The third straight portion 212 isformed to have the same length as that of the second straight portion210, and is extended along a direction perpendicular to the secondstraight portion 210, in other words, the Y axis direction.

Next, description will be given of how to attach the printed board 20.

As shown in FIG. 27, the printed board 20 is attached to the CCD stage1251 from the protection plate 19 side in a state where the connectionpattern portion 201 a of the CCD connection part 201 conforms to theconnection pin of the CCD 101 and the through-hole 201 b conforms to therecess 19 a.

An FPC auxiliary plate 213 is attached onto the printed board 20. TheFPC auxiliary plate 213 is a plate member and its shape matches a partof the CCD connection part 201 and the shapes of the first straightportion 208 and the first curved portion 209 of the first connectionextension part 206. In the FPC auxiliary plate 213, a first side portion213 a along the straight line a, a second side portion 213 b along aborder line between the first curved portion 209 and the second straightportion 210 and a third side portion 213 c along a line d to bedescribed later are provided for supporting the folding of the printedboard 20.

The printed board 20 is folded with the straight lines a and b as foldlines so that the second connection extension part 207 overlaps with thefirst connection extension part 206 to sandwich the FPC auxiliary plate213 therebetween (see FIG. 28).

The printed board 20 is folded with the straight line c as the fold lineso that the position detection element connection part 203 overlaps withthe CCD connection part 201 to electrically connect the positiondetection element connection part 203 to the position detection element1252 (see FIG. 28).

The printed board 20 is folded with the straight line d as the fold lineso that the coil connection part 202 overlaps with the CCD connectionpart 201 to electrically connect the coil connection part 202 to each ofthe coiled bodies COL (see FIG. 28). According to the steps describedabove, the printed board 20 is attached to the CCD stage 1251 so as tobe positioned within the X-Y plane on the base member 11 as shown inFIG. 28.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 21B, 22, 29A and 29B, the connection extensionpart 205 of the printed board 20 is folded roughly at a right anglealong the straight line e so that the second straight portion 210 isextended along the Y-Z plane at the corner portion 10 b of the fixationtube 10.

Moreover, the connection extension part 205 of the printed board 20 isfolded roughly at a right angle along the straight line f so that thesecond curved portion 211 is extended within the X-Y plane displacedfrom the base member 11 to the lens barrel side in the Z axis directionand is also extended toward the fixation tube 10 as compared with thesecond straight portion 210.

Next, the connection extension part 205 of the printed board 20 isfolded roughly at a right angle along the straight line g so that thethird straight portion 212 is extended along the X-Z plane at the cornerportion 10 b of the fixation tube 10.

The connection extension part 205 of the printed board 20 is foldedroughly at a right angle along the straight line h so that the blockcircuit connection part 204 is extended along the X-Y plane on theoutside of the fixation tube 10. By the folding along the straight lineh, a folding portion 214 is formed, which is extended along the X-Zplane. The block circuit connection part 204 is attached to the basemember 11 through the folding portion 214 (see FIGS. 19 and 21B).

When the camera shake correction is performed, the mounting stage 15 ismoved within the X-Y plane on the base member 11. Thus, a relativedistance between the mounting stage connection side fixed to themounting stage 15 and the block circuit connection side fixed to thebase member 11 is changed in the printed board 20. In order to preventforce caused by the change in the relative distance therebetween fromdisturbing the movement of the mounting stage 15, the printed board 20has the second straight portion 210 existing within the Y-Z plane andthe third straight portion 212 existing within the X-Z plane. The secondand third straight portions 210 and 212 are located perpendicular toeach other. Since the printed board 20 is easily deformed in itsthickness direction, the force in the X axis direction is absorbed bybending deformation of the second straight portion 210. Moreover, theforce in the Y axis direction is absorbed by bending deformation of thethird straight portion 212. As a result, the force caused by the changein the distance within the X-Y plane can be absorbed.

Moreover, the printed board 20 has the second curved portion 211existing within the X-Y plane surrounded by the second straight portion210, the third straight portion 212 and the fixation tube 10. Therefore,in the printed board 20, when force is applied to the folding portion(straight line e) between the mounting stage connection side and thesecond straight portion 210 by the movement of the mounting stage 15,the second straight portion 210 is bent into a C-shape expanded only inone direction. As a result, distortion stress can be reduced. Thus, inthe printed board 20, repulsive force can be reduced and the forcecaused by the movement of the mounting stage 15 can be effectivelyabsorbed. On the other hand, if the second curved portion 211 existswithin the X-Y plane on the outside of the space surrounded by thesecond straight portion 210, the third straight portion 212 and thefixation tube 10, the second straight portion 210 is bent into anS-shape expanded in two opposite directions by the force applied to thefolding portion (straight line e). As a result, the distortion stress isrelatively increased. Therefore, the repulsive force is increased, andthe absorbed amount of the force caused by the movement of the mountingstage 15 is reduced. The same goes for the third straight portion 212which absorbs the force in the Y axial direction. Accordingly, theprinted board 20 never disturbs the movement of the mounting stage 15within the X-Y plane when the camera shake correction is performed.

The printed board 20 has its folding portion formed along the Z axialdirection at the corner portion 10 b of the fixation tube 10. Thus, thespace around the lens barrel generally formed to have a circular shape,in other words, the corner portion 10 b of the fixation tube 10 can beeffectively used. Consequently, it is possible to prevent an increase insize of the camera caused by providing the folding portion.

The printed board 20 has the connection extension part 205 branched intothe first connection extension part 206 and the second connectionextension part 207 which can overlap with each other. Thus, it ispossible to increase the number of power transmission paths withoutincreasing the width of the connection extension part 205. Moreover, itis possible to provide the folding portions within the limited space ofthe corner portion 10 b of the fixation tube 10. Therefore, it is notnecessary to provide the second connection extension part 207 if notmany power transmission paths are provided.

The printed board 20 has the FPC auxiliary plate 213 attached thereto.Thus, the printed board 20 is not bent in a portion from the CCDconnection part 201 of the printed board 20 to the first curved portion209 via the first straight portion 208. Moreover, the force caused bythe movement of the mounting stage 15 can be applied to the thirdstraight portion 212. As a result, the force can be surely absorbed inthe folding portions.

(Retention Control Circuit of Camera Shake Correction Mechanism)

The stepping motor STM1 is controlled by a retention control circuitshown in FIG. 30. The stepping motor STM1 has a two-phase controlstructure and includes a first coil STMC′ having terminals connected tothe motor driver MD3 through output lines 40 a and 40 a′ and a secondcoil STMC″ having terminals connected to the motor driver MD3 throughoutput lines 40 b and 40 b′. The output line 40 a has a resistance R18for limiting current provided therein, and the output line 40 b has aresistance R19 for limiting current provided therein. A capacitor C7 isinterposed between the output lines 40 a and 40 a′, and a capacitor C8is interposed between the output lines 40 b and 40 b′.

Retention control signals are inputted to the motor driver MD3 fromports IN1 and IN2 of the processor 104. In addition, an enable signal isinputted to a port ENA of the processor 104. The motor driver MD3controls power distribution to the stepping motor STM1 on the basis ofthe retention control signals and the enable signal.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart for explaining operations of the retentioncontrol circuit shown in FIG. 30. The operations include three stepssuch as a reset process, a release process and a retention process.

When the power switch SW13 of the digital camera is turned on, the resetprocess is first executed according to the control of the processor 104(S.1). In this reset process, the stepping motor STM1 is rotationallydriven for 2 pulses in the counter-clockwise direction at a slow rate of200 pps (pulse per second) by the control of the processor 104. Next,the stepping motor STM1 is rotationally driven for 33 pulses in thecounter-clockwise direction at a fast rate of 1000 pps (pulse persecond). Finally, the stepping motor STM1 is rotationally driven for 2pulses in the clockwise direction at a slow rate of 200 pps (pulse persecond).

Wherever the cam pin 32 is in the rotation direction of the cam groove31, the cam pin 32 physically comes into contact with the steep cliff 31d of the cam groove 31 by rotating the stepping motor STM1 for about 35pulses in the counter-clockwise direction.

When the stepping motor STM1 is driven for 2 pulses in the clockwisedirection from the contact position with the steep cliff 31 d of the campin 32, the cam pin 32 is set in the inclination start position 31 e ofthe cam groove 31 (see FIG. 24E). The state where the cam pin 32 is setin the inclination start position 31 e of the cam groove 31 is a resetposition of the cam pin 32, which corresponds to the state where the CCD101 is forcibly retained in the origin position O. The origin position Ois also the center position within a range in which the mounting stage15 can be moved. The time required from the power on to completion ofreset is about 53 msec (millisecond).

In this camera shake correction mechanism, the camera shake correctionis carried out by tuning on the camera shake correction switch SW14, andthe camera shake correction is released when the camera shake correctionswitch SW14 is turned off or the photographing is completed.

If the camera shake correction switch SW14 is turned on, the releaseprocess is executed by controlling the processor 104 (S.2). In thisrelease process, first, the stepping motor STM1 is rotationally drivenfor 2 pulses in the clockwise direction at a slow rate of 200 pps (pulseper second). Next, the stepping motor STM1 is rotationally driven for 28pulses in the clockwise direction at a fast rate of 1000 pps (pulse persecond). Thereafter, the power distribution to the stepping motor STM1is maintained for 5 msec (millisecond). Next, the power distribution tothe stepping motor STM1 is stopped by the motor driver MD1.

By the above release process, the cam pin 32 is positioned in theinclination end position 31 f of the cam groove 31 (see FIG. 24D). Thetime required from the inclination start position 31 e to theinclination end position 31 f is about 43 msec (millisecond). Morespecifically, the time required for the cam pin 32 to move from the holdstandby position to the release standby position is about 43 msec(millisecond). The camera shake correction control is performed in thisrelease standby position.

Next, when the camera shake correction switch SW14 is turned off or thephotographing is performed, the processor 104 carries out the retentionprocess (S.3). In this retention process, the stepping motor STM1 isrotationally driven for 2 pulses in the clockwise direction at a slowrate of 200 pps (pulse per second) by the control of the processor 104.Thereafter, the stepping motor STM1 is rotationally driven for 3 pulsesin the clockwise direction at a fast rate of 1000 pps (pulse persecond). Thus, the cam pin 32 comes down to the flat valley floorportion 31 a by passing through the flat peak portion 31 b of the camgroove 31 to come into contact with the flat valley floor portion 31 a.Subsequently, the power distribution to the stepping motor STM1 ismaintained for 5 msec (millisecond).

Next, the motor drive MD1 stops the power distribution to the steppingmotor STM1. Thus, the cam pin 32 is set in the inclination startposition 31 e of the cam groove 31, and the CCD 101 is retained at thecenter position. While the power is supplied, if once the reset processis performed, these release process and retention standby process arecarried out. Note that the time required for movement from the releasestandby position to the retention standby position is about 18 msec(millisecond).

The camera shake correction mechanism has the configuration in which themounting stage 15 of the CCD 101 is forcibly retained in the centerposition by the retention pin 33 formed in the forced retainer plate 26.Thus, it is not necessary to control the power distribution for keepingthe retention of the mounting stage 15 in the origin position O. As aresult, power consumption can be reduced even when the camera shakecorrection mechanism is operated.

(Circuit Configuration of Camera Shake Detection Circuit)

FIG. 32 is a view showing a circuit configuration of a camera shakedetection circuit. The camera shake detection circuit includes an Xdirection rotation detection part, which detects rotation in the Xdirection, and a Y direction rotation detection part, which detectsrotation in the Y direction.

The X direction rotation detection part has, for example, apiezoelectric vibration gyro sensor S1B. The piezoelectric vibrationgyro sensor S1B has: a first terminal grounded via a capacitor C13; asecond terminal connected to a positive terminal of an operationalamplifier OP3 via a capacitor C10 provided in the middle of a connectionline 42; and a third terminal connected to a negative terminal of theoperational amplifier OP3 via a resistance R23 provided in the middle ofa connection line 43.

Moreover, a fourth terminal of the piezoelectric vibration gyro sensorS1B is grounded and also connected to the connection line 43 via acapacitor C11. The operational amplifier OP3 has the positive terminalconnected to the connection line 43 via a resistance R20. A serial bodyincluding a resistance R21 and a switching switch ASW1 is connectedbetween the connection lines 42 and 43 in parallel with the resistanceR20.

The operational amplifier OP3 has an output terminal connected to thenegative terminal of the operational amplifier OP3 via a capacitor C12.A resistance R22 is connected to the capacitor C12 in paralleltherewith. The capacitor C10 and the resistance R20 make up a high-passfilter HPF1, and the capacitor C12 and the resistance R22 make up alow-pass filter LPF1. The operational amplifier OP3 amplifies the outputof the piezoelectric vibration gyro sensor S1B and outputs an Xdirection detection signal OUT1 from the output terminal of theoperational amplifier OP3.

The Y direction rotation detection part has a piezoelectric vibrationgyro sensor S2A. The piezoelectric vibration gyro sensor S2A has: afirst terminal grounded via a capacitor C17; a second terminal connectedto a positive terminal of an operational amplifier OP4 via a capacitorC14 provided in the middle of a connection line 44; a third terminalconnected to a negative terminal of the operational amplifier OP4 via aresistance R26 provided in the middle of a connection line 45; and afourth terminal grounded and also connected to the connection line 45via a capacitor C15.

The operational amplifier OP4 has the positive terminal connected to theconnection line 45 via a resistance R24. A series body including aresistance R25 and a switching switch ASW2 is connected between theconnection lines 44 and 45 in parallel with the resistance R24. Theoperational amplifier OP4 has an output terminal connected to thenegative terminal of the operational amplifier OP4 via a capacitor C16.A resistance R27 is connected to the capacitor C16 in paralleltherewith. The capacitor C14 and the resistance R24 make up a high-passfilter HPF2, and the capacitor C16 and the resistance R27 make up alow-pass filter LPF2. The operational amplifier OP4 amplifies the outputof the piezoelectric vibration gyro sensor S2A and outputs an Xdirection detection signal OUT2 from the output terminal of theoperational amplifier OP4.

A switching control signal SWC1 is inputted to the switching switchesASW1 and ASW2 via a signal line 46. Each of the switching switches ASW1and ASW2 has a function for accelerating charge of each of thecapacitors C11 and C15 so as to increase a response speed of each of thehigh-pass filters HPF1 and HPF2. The processor 104 outputs the switchingcontrol signal SWC1 to the switching switches ASW1 and ASW2 for apredetermined time after turning on the power. Thus, the switchingswitches ASW1 and ASW2 are turned on for a predetermined time. Thedetection outputs OUT1 and OUT2 of the gyro sensors S1B and S2A are readinto the A/D converter 10411 every T seconds. Where

ω yaw (t) . . . instant angular velocity in YAW direction

ω pitch (t) . . . instant angular velocity in PITCH direction

θ yaw (t) . . . angular variation in YAW direction

θ pitch (t) . . . angular variation in PITCH direction

D yaw (t) . . . movement amount of image in X direction corresponding torotation in YAW direction.

D pitch (t) . . . movement amount of image in Y direction correspondingto rotation in PITCH direction,

θ yaw (t) and θ pitch (t) are obtained by the following relationalexpressions. θ yaw (t)=Σωyaw (i)·T

θ pitch (t)=Σωpitch (i)·T

Moreover, a focal length f is determined from a zoom point zp and afocal point fp. The following equations are established among Dyaw (t),the movement amount of image corresponding to rotation in the YAWdirection, D pitch (t), the movement amount of image corresponding torotation in the PITCH direction, θ yaw (t), the angular variation in theYAW direction, and θ pitch (t), the angular variation in the PITCHdirection.Dyaw(t)=f*tan(θyaw(t))  (i)Dpitch(t)=f*tan(θpitch(t))  (ii)

Specifically, Dyaw (t), the movement amount of image in the X directioncorresponding to rotation in the YAW direction and Dpitch (t), themovement amount of image in the Y direction corresponding to rotation inthe PITCH direction correspond to an amount for which the CCD 101 shouldbe moved in the X-Y direction.

If rotational displacements in the YAW direction and in the PITCHdirection are caused by the camera shake, a target position of the CCDis calculated by the above equations (i) and (ii). Moreover, themounting stage 15 is driven so as to eliminate a difference between thetarget value and an actual position of the CCD 101 in the X-Y directiondetected by the position detection element 1252. This control isperformed every T seconds.

Note that, when the detection outputs of the gyro sensors S1B and S2Aare “0”, the mounting stage 15 is controlled such that the CCD 101 istranslationally displaced by following translational movementdisplacement Xd of the camera main body.

(Camera Shake Correction Control Circuit)

FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing one example of a camera shakecorrection control circuit. The camera shake correction control circuitroughly consists of a feedback circuit 50 and a position correspondencevoltage setting circuit 51.

The hall elements H1 and H2 (the hall elements 1252 a and 1252 b shownin FIG. 1) constitute a part of the position correspondence voltagesetting circuit 51. A predetermined voltage Vh1− is applied to the hallelement (1252 a) H1. The hall element H1 has one terminal connected to anegative terminal of an operational amplifier OP1 via a resistance R2and the other terminal connected to a positive terminal of theoperational amplifier OP1 via a resistance R3.

The operational amplifier OP1 has an output terminal connected to aninput port L1 of the processor 104 via a resistance R5 and alsoconnected to the negative terminal of the operation amplifier OP1 viathe resistance R1. In addition, the connection point between theresistance R5 and the input port L1 is grounded via a capacitor C1.

A predetermined voltage Vh2− is applied to the hall element (1252 b) H2.The hall element H2 has one terminal connected to a negative terminal ofan operational amplifier OP2 via a resistance R7 and the other terminalconnected to a positive terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 via aresistance R8.

The operational amplifier OP2 has an output terminal connected to aninput port L2 of the processor 104 via a resistance R9 and alsoconnected to the negative terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 viaa resistance R6. In addition, the connection point between theresistance R9 and the input port L2 is grounded via a capacitor C2.

The processor 104 has: an output port L3 connected to a D/A conversioncircuit IC2 constituting a part of the position correspondence voltagesetting circuit 51; output ports L4 and L6 connected to the D/Aconversion circuit IC2 and a D/A conversion circuit IC1; and an outputport L5 connected to the D/A conversion circuit IC1.

Two output lines 61 and 62 are connected to the D/A conversion circuitIC2. One of the output lines 61 is inputted to the positive terminal ofthe operational amplifier OP1 via a resistance R4 and the other outputline 62 is inputted to the positive terminal of the operationalamplifier OP2 via a resistance R10.

A chip selector signal DI from the output port L3, a clock signal SCLKfrom the output port L4, and correction digital data DIN from the outputport L6 are inputted to the D/A conversion circuit IC2. The D/Aconversion circuit IC2 has a function of performing digital/analogconversion of the correction digital data.

The D/A conversion circuit IC1 constitutes a part of the feedbackcircuit 50. A common line 63 and two Output lines 64 and 65 areconnected to the D/A conversion circuit IC1. The common line 63 isconnected to coil drive circuits MD1 and MD2. The output line 64 isconnected to an input terminal L7 of the coil drive circuit MD1 via aresistance R14. The output line 65 is connected to an input terminal L8of the coil drive circuit MD2 via a resistance R15.

The connection point between the resistance R14 and the input terminalL7 is connected to an earth terminal ER1 of the coil drive circuit MD1via a capacitor C3. The connection point between the resistance R15 andthe input terminal L8 is connected to an earth terminal ER2 of the coildrive circuit MD2 via a capacitor C4. The common line 63 is connected toa power source Vcc via resistances R12 and R11. The connection pointtherebetween is grounded via a resistance R13.

A control signal CONT1 from the processor 104 is inputted to both of thecoil drive circuits MD1 and MD2. The coil drive circuit MD1 has anoutput terminal connected to a coil COL1″ (a serial connection body ofthe coiled bodies COL1 and COL1′) via a resistance R16. A capacitor C5is connected in parallel with a serial body of the resistance R16 andthe coil COL1″. The coil drive circuit MD2 has an output terminalconnected to a coil COL2″ (a serial connection body of the coiled bodiesCOL2 and COL2′) via a resistance R17. A capacitor C6 is connected inparallel with a serial body of the resistance R17 and the coil COL2″.The coil COL1″ is used to drive the mounting stage 15 in the Xdirection, and the coil COL2″ is used to drive the mounting stage 15 inthe Y direction.

Here, in a state where the predetermined voltage Vh1− is applied to thehall element H1 and the predetermined voltage Vh2− is applied to thehall element H2, detection output voltage values of the hall elements H1and H2 are set to be Vh1 and Vh2 when the detection outputs of the gyrosensors S1B and S2A (see FIG. 32) are 0 and also the CCD 101 exists inthe center position (origin O) of the movable area. In this case, analogoutput voltage values of the respective input ports L1 and L2 of theprocessor 104 are set to be V1ADin and V2ADin. These output voltagevalues V1Adin and V2ADin are actually measured.

The output voltage values (actual measurement values) V1Adin and V2ADinvary based on an assembly error factor regarding the mechanicalpositional relationship between the magnets (permanent magnets) 16 a to16 d and the hall elements H1 and H2, an assembly error factor betweenthe attachment positions of the hall elements H1 and H2 and theattachment positions of the coils COL1″ and COL2″ with respect to themounting stage 15, and the like. Moreover, the output voltage values(actual measurement values) V1Adin and V2ADin also vary according tocharacteristics of the hall elements H1 and H2.

Therefore, if no correction is performed, the detection values of thehall elements H1 and H2 corresponding to the origin position O vary oreach of cameras. Thus, accurate camera shake correction cannot beperformed.

To deal with this problem, correction voltages Vr1′ and Vr2′, which areinputted to the respective operational amplifiers OP1 and OP2 from theanalog/digital converter IC2, are set such that the output voltagevalues V1Adin and V2ADin before correction are set to constant voltagevalues (setting reference voltage values). More particularly, thecorrection voltages Vr1′ and Vr2′ are set so as to correct thevariations in the output voltage values (detection values) V1Adin andV2ADin when the CCD 101 exists in the origin position O and the CCD 101is not controlled (when the power is not supplied to the coils COL1″ andCOL2″).

Here, in order to set the correction voltages Vr1′ and Vr2′ to thesetting reference voltage value, for example, 1.7 volts which issubstantially a central value of a movable range voltage of theoperational amplifiers OP1 and OP2, the processor 104 performs thefollowing calculation.

Here, for convenience of description, the resistances are set toR2=R3=R7=R8 and R1=R4=R10=R6. However, the present invention is notlimited thereto.

Under the conditions of R2=R3=R7=R8 and R1=R4=R10=R6, the followingrelational expressions are established.V1ADin=R1/R2*((Vh1+)−(Vh1−))+Vr1′V2ADin=R1/R2*((Vh2+)−(Vh2−))+Vr2′

The processor 104 is configured to acquire the correction voltages Vr1′and Vr2′ through calculation depending on the above relationalexpressions. As a result, even if the detection values of hall elementsH1, H2 in the reference position or original position O of the CCD 101vary based on the assembling error factor regarding the mechanicalpositional relationship between the magnets (permanent magnets) 16 a-16d and the hall elements H1, H2, the assembling error factor between themounting positions of the hall elements H1, H2 and the mountingpositions of the coils COL1″, COL2″ with respect to the mounting stage15, or the like, the CCD 101 can be moved in accordance with thecorrection amount detected by the gyro sensors.

The processor 104 includes, together with the D/A conversion circuitIC2, a part of a variation correction circuit which outputs correctionvalues for setting the detection values to the setting reference voltagevalues regardless of the variations in the detection values of the hallelements H1 and H2. Furthermore, the processor 104 also functions ascorrection value calculation means for obtaining the setting referencevoltage values by calculation.

This initial setting is set before shipment which is a final inspectionin a factory for assembling a camera, as shown in the flowchart of FIG.34 (see S.1 to S.3).

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 35, in the actual control, theprocessor 104 first reads control target values obtained by thecalculations on the basis of the detection outputs OUT1 and OUT2 of thecamera shake detection circuit (S.11). Next, the processor 104 reads theactual position correspondence voltage values V1ADin and V2ADin obtainedby the hall elements H1 and H2 (S.12). Thus, the processor 104calculates a difference between the control target values and theposition correspondence voltage values V1ADin and V2ADin (S.13).

The processor 104 outputs control data to the digital/analog conversioncircuit IC1 on the basis of the output of the difference. Thedigital/analog conversion circuit IC1 outputs control voltages Vdac1 andVdac2 corresponding to the control data (S.14). The control voltagesVdac1 and Vdac2 are inputted to the coil drive circuits MD1 and MD2. Thecoil drive circuits MD1 and MD2 output drive voltages Vout1 and Vout2 tothe respective coils COL1″ and COL2″.

Assuming that Vr is a division voltage, the drive voltages Vout1 andVout2 are set according to the following equations.Vout1=(Vdac1−Vr)*KVout2=(Vdac2−Vr)*K

Here, reference numeral K is a proportional constant based on thedivision voltage Vr.

The CCD 101 is attracted and repelled by a magnetic field of the magnets16 a to 16 d and the coils COL1″ and COL2″ to move in a directioncontrolled by whether each of the drive voltages Vout1 and Vout2 is a“positive voltage” or a “negative voltage”. Thus, the detection valuesof the hall elements H1 and H2 are changed. The position correspondencevoltage values V1ADin and V2ADin are changed corresponding to the changein the detection values. The position correspondence voltage values arefed back to the processor 104. Thus, the CCD 101 can be allowed tosmoothly follow the target position even if the control target valuesare changed by the detection output values of the camera shake detectioncircuit (S.15). When the photographing is completed, the control isterminated (S.16).

Modified Example

FIG. 36 is a circuit diagram showing a modified example of the feedbackcircuit 50. Here, the processor 104 controls driving of a coil driverMD4 by means of PWM control so as to control the power distribution tothe coils COL1″ and COL2″.

More particularly, a normal direction signal CON1 and a reversedirection signal CON2 are inputted to the coil driver MD4, and pulsevoltages Vin1 and Vin2 are also inputted thereto. The power distributionvoltages to the coils COL1″ and COL2″ are increased as the duration of ahigh level of the pulse signal gets longer.

(Details of Photographing by Turning on Camera Shake CorrectionMechanism)

As shown in FIG. 37, when the camera shake correction switch SW14 isturned on (S.1), the gyro sensors S1B and S2A are powered on (S.2). Whenthe release switch SW1 is pressed to complete half-pressing (S.3), anautofocus operation (focusing operation) is started (S.4). At the sametime as the start of the autofocus operation, the mechanical forcedfixation of the mounting stage 15 is released, and CCD central retentioncontrol is started by the power distribution to the coils COL1″ andCOL2″ (S.4).

Next, a monitoring process by camera shake is started (S.5). Theprocessor 104 determines whether or not the half-pressing of the releaseswitch SW1 is continued (S.6). If the half-pressing of the releaseswitch SW1 is released, the flow returns to Step S.3. Meanwhile, if thehalf-pressing of the release switch SW1 is continued, the processor 104determines whether or not full-pressing of the release switch SW1 isperformed (S.7). If the full-pressing of the release switch SW1 is notperformed, the flow returns to Step S.6.

If the full-pressing of the release switch SW1 is completed, followingof the CCD 101 is started in an image movement direction (S.8). Next,exposure is performed (S.9). When the exposure is completed (S.10), thefollowing of the CCD 101 is stopped (S.11). Accordingly, the mountingstage 15 is returned to the origin position O by the processor 104controlling the power distribution to the coils COL1″ and COL2″ (S.11).The processor 104 determines whether or not the mounting stage 15 isreturned to the origin position O (S.12). If the mounting stage 15 isreturned, the processor 104 forcibly fixes the mounting stage 15 (theCCD 101) to the origin position O in a mechanical manner (mechanicalforced retention in the origin position O by the origin position forcedretention mechanism 1263) (S.13).

There are two modes conceivable for the operation timing of the releaseswitch SW1.

FIG. 38 is a timing chart of the camera shake correction processing inthe case of the full-pressing of the release switch SW1. Here, thefull-pressing means a release operation having discontinuity from thehalf-pressing operation of the release switch SW 1 to the full-pressingoperation of the release switch SW1. For example, the full-pressingmeans a photographing operation performed by a user who carries out thehalf-pressing operation of the release switch SW1 and then makes a shiftto an exposure start operation by carrying out the full-pressing of therelease switch SW1 at the right moment.

If the release switch SW1 is half-pressed, the focusing operation of thedigital camera is started. In this state, the origin position forcedretention mechanism 1263 has not yet released the forced retention ofthe mounting stage 15. The power is not supplied to the coils COL1″ andCOL2″. Moreover, the mounting stage 15 is mechanically fixed to thecenter position, and the subject image is displayed on the LCD monitor18.

When the focusing operation is completed, the processor 104 starts thepower distribution to the stepping motor STM1 of the origin positionforced retention mechanism 1263. Thus, the mechanical forced retentionof the mounting stage 15 is released. At the same time as the release ofthe forced retention, the power distribution to the coils COL1″ andCOL2″ is started by the processor 104. By the above control of the powerdistribution to the coils COL1″ and COL2″, the camera shake correctionprocess during the half-pressing operation (release 1) of the releaseswitch SW1 is conducted. When the release switch SW1 is fully pressed(release 2), the mounting stage 15 is once returned to the centerposition by the control of the power distribution to the coils COL1″ andCOL2″. Thereafter, the LCD monitor 18 is turned off after some time andis set in a state of not displaying the subject image.

Next, when still image exposure is started, the mounting stage 15 iscontrolled to follow the image movement based on the camera shake. Whenthe still image exposure is completed, the mounting stage 15 is returnedto the center position based on the control of the power distribution tothe coils COL1″ and COL2″. Next, the processor 104 starts the powerdistribution to the stepping motor STM1 of the origin position forcedretention mechanism 1263. Thus, the mechanical forced fixation of themounting stage 15 is performed. Subsequently, the power distribution tothe coils COL1″ and COL2″ is stopped.

As described above, even if the camera is shaken, the user can visuallyrecognize the LCD monitor 18 to monitor the subject image without havingthe camera shake during the release 1.

Moreover, when the mounting stage 15 is once returned to the centerposition during the release 2, the composition during the release 2 isdisplaced with respect to the composition of the subject image duringthe release 1. However, according to the embodiment of the presentinvention, since the subject image right before photographing isdisplayed on the LCD monitor 18 in a state where the mounting stage 15is once returned to the center position, the user can confirm thecomposition of the subject image right before photographing (rightbefore exposure).

FIG. 39 shows a timing chart of the camera shake correction processingin the case where the release switch SW1 is half-pressed and then thehalf-pressing of the release switch SW1 is released without performingthe full-pressing operation.

The focusing operation is started at the same time as the half-pressingof the release switch SW1. When the focusing operation is completed, theprocessor 104 starts the power distribution to the stepping motor STM1of the origin position forced retention mechanism 1263. Thus, themechanical forced retention of the mounting stage 15 is released. At thesame time as the release of the forced retention, the power distributionto the coils COL1″ and COL2″ is started. By the control of the powerdistribution to the coils COL1″ and COL2″, the camera shake correctionprocess during the half-pressing operation (release 1) of the releaseswitch SW1 is performed.

If the half-pressing operation of the release switch SW1 is releasedduring the half-pressing operation of the release switch SW1, themounting stage 15 is retuned to the center position based on the controlof the power distribution to the coils COL1″ and COL2″. Next, theprocessor 104 starts the power distribution to the stepping motor STM1of the origin position forced retention mechanism 1263. Thus, themechanical fixation and retention of the mounting stage 15 is performed.Next, the power distribution to the coils COL1″ and COL2″ is stopped.

FIG. 40 is a timing chart of the camera shake correction process whenthe release switch SW1 is fully pressed in one shot. Here, thefull-pressing in one shot means a release operation having continuityfrom the half-pressing operation (release 1) of the release switch SW1to the full-pressing operation (release 2) thereof. For example, thefull-pressing in one shot means a photographing operation performed bythe user who carries out the half-pressing operation of the releaseswitch SW1 and then immediately makes a shift to the exposure startoperation by carrying out the full-pressing of the release switch SW1.

If the release switch SW1 is half-pressed, the focusing operation of thedigital camera is started. The subject image is displayed on the LCDmonitor 18. Moreover, the full-pressing operation of the release switchSW1 is performed immediately after the half-pressing operation of therelease switch SW1. At the same time, the LCD monitor 18 is turned offand set in a state of not displaying the subject image.

When the focusing operation is completed, the processor 104 starts thepower distribution to the stepping motor STM1 of the origin positionforced retention mechanism 1263. Thus, the mechanical retention of themounting stage 15 is released. At the same time as the release of theretention, the power distribution to the coils COL1″ and COL2″ isstarted. By the control of the power distribution to the coils COL1″ andCOL2″, the mounting stage 15 is retained in the center position. Thus,the camera shake correction process is performed.

The mounting stage 15 is retained in the center position by the powerdistribution to the coils COL1″ and COL2″. Thus, the still imageexposure is started and the mounting stage 15 is controlled to followthe image movement based on the camera shake. When the still imageexposure is completed, the mounting stage 15 is returned to the centerposition based on the control of the power distribution to the coilsCOL1″ and COL2″. Next, the processor 104 starts the power distributionto the stepping motor STM1 of the origin position forced retentionmechanism 1263. Thus, the mechanical fixation and retention of themounting stage 15 is performed. Next, the power-distribution to thecoils COL1″ and COL2″ is stopped.

In the case of such full-pressing in one shot, it is considered thatconfirmation of the composition by the user is completed during theoperation of release 1 and confirmation of the composition during therelease 2 is not necessary. Accordingly, it is considered that, in thecase of the full-pressing in one shot, reconfirmation of the compositionis not necessary even if the mounting stage 15 is once returned to thecenter position during the release 2. Thus, since it is not required todisplay the composition during the release 2 on the LCD monitor 18, thecamera shake correction control process can be simplified.

Moreover, since the LCD monitor 18 is turned off during the focusingoperation, unnecessary battery drain can be avoided.

Furthermore, when the mounting stage 15 is forcibly retained in theorigin position O in a mechanical manner, the peripheral wall 33 a ofthe retention pin 33 presses the recess peripheral wall 19 b of theprotection plate 19. Accordingly, the mounting stage 15 that is the Ymovable frame is pressed toward the subject in the Z axis direction.Thus, loose-fitting of the mounting stage 15 in the Z axis direction issuppressed. Moreover, when the mounting stage 15 is not forciblyretained in the origin position O in a mechanical manner, the mountingstage 15 that is the Y movable frame is pressed toward the subject inthe Z axis direction by attractive force between the urging magnets 15 eand 15 f and the extended portions 16 e 2 and 16 f 2 of the yokes 16 eand 16 f. Thus, the loose-fitting of the mounting stage 15 in the Z axisdirection is suppressed. As described above, by setting the pressingdirection of the retention pin 33 to be the same as the direction inwhich the mounting stage 15 is pressed by the attractive force betweenthe urging magnets 15 e and 15 f and the extended portions 16 e 2 and 16f 2 of the yokes 16 e and 16 f, the CCD 101 is not moved in the opticalaxis direction (the Z axis direction) between the time when the camerashake correction operation is performed and the time when the forcedretention is executed and the camera shake correction operation is notperformed. Thus, the focal position is kept constant.

In the camera shake correction device as the embodiment of the presentinvention, the urging magnets 15 e and 15 f are attracted to theextended portions 16 e 2 and 16 f 2 of the yokes 16 e and 16 fcorresponding thereto in the Z axis direction. Thus, in the camera shakecorrection device, the mounting stage 15 can be attracted to the guidestage consisting of the Y direction stage 14 and the X direction stage13, in other words, can be attracted to the X direction stage 13.Accordingly, the position of the mounting stage 15 when viewed from theZ axis direction can be set to the position coming into contact with theguide stage (position coming into contact with the X direction stage 13with the Y direction stage 14 interposed therebetween). Thus, in thecamera shake correction device, loose-fitting of the CCD 101 (theimaging element), which is mounted on the mounting stage 15, in the Zaxis direction (the photographing optical axis direction) can beprevented. Moreover, the CCD 101 can receive light at a proper focaldistance. Note that the extended portions 16 e 2 and 16 f 2 are providedat least in the region in which the urging magnets 15 e and 15 f aremoved. Thus, even if the urging magnets 15 e and 15 f are moved in the Ydirection along with the movement of the Y direction stage 14 for imageblur correction, the attractive force can be allowed to act between theurging magnets 15 e and 15 f and the extended portions 16 e 2 and 16 f2.

In the camera shake correction device as the embodiment described above,the respective coiled bodies COL1, COL1′, COL2 and COL2′ are provided inthe mounting stage 15, and the respective permanent magnets 16 a to 16 dare provided in the X direction stage 13 included in the guide stage.However, the present invention is not limited to the embodimentdescribed above but may be applied to the case where the respectivepermanent magnets 16 a to 16 d are provided in the mounting stage 15 andthe respective coiled bodies COL1, COL1′, COL2 and COL2′ are provided inthe X direction stage 13.

In the camera shake correction device as the embodiment described above,the rotations in the X and Y directions are detected by the gyro sensor1241 to detect the camera shake caused in the camera main body (mainbody case). However, the present invention is not limited to theembodiment described above but may be applied to the case where, forexample, a monitoring image is processed to detect the camera shake.

In the camera shake correction device as the embodiment described above,the guide stage consists of the Y direction stage 14 which supports themounting stage 15 so as to be movable in the Y axis direction and the Xdirection stage 13 which supports the Y direction stage 14 so as to bemovable in the X axis direction. However, the present invention is notlimited to the embodiment described above as long as the mounting stage15 is held movable along the X-Y plane and is fixed to the photographingoptical axis in the main body case.

Note that, in the embodiment described above, the description was givenof the example where the image blur correction device which correctsimage blur by moving the CCD 101 that is the imaging element withrespect to the inclination (shake) of the camera is adopted in thecamera. However, the present invention is also applicable to an imageblur correction device which has a lens mounted therein instead of theCCD 101 and corrects image blur by moving the lens with respect to theinclination (shake) of the camera. In such a case, the image blurcorrection device of the present invention may be configured by using anappropriate lens frame in a lens barrel as a movable frame.

For example, FIGS. 41 and 42 show a configuration of a lens barrel towhich the image blur correction device having the configurationdescribed in the above embodiment can be applied. FIG. 41 is a verticalcross-sectional view schematically showing a main structure of the lensbarrel. FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing adetailed structure of the lens barrel.

The lens barrel shown in FIGS. 41 and 42 includes a first group opticalsystem L1, a second group optical system L2, a third group opticalsystem L3, a fixation tube L4, a cam tube L5, a first group drive pinL6, a DC motor L7, a gear array L8, an aperture stop L9, a spring L10, alead screw L11, a main shaft L12, a countershaft L13, a pulse motor L14,photointerruptors L15 and L16, a second group drive pin L17 and a baseL18.

In the above lens barrel, the image blur correction device of thepresent invention having a lens mounted thereon may be disposed, forexample, as the third group optical system L3 for focusing which can bemoved in X and Y directions.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of exemplaryembodiments, it is not limited thereto. It should be appreciated thatvariations may be made in the embodiments described by persons skilledin the art without departing from the scope of the present invention asdefined by the following claims.

1. An image blur correction device, comprising: a first movable framewhich is equipped with a lens or an imaging element and has guides; asecond movable frame having guide shafts which movably support the firstmovable frame by coming into contact with the guides; a fixed framewhich movably supports the second movable frame; and a drive mechanismwhich drives the first and second movable frames for correcting imageblur by moving the first and second movable frames relative to the fixedframe, wherein the guide shafts are made of a magnetic material, andwherein permanent magnets are provided on the guides in the firstmovable frame, the permanent magnets using attractive force between themagnets and the guide shafts, so as to urge the first movable frame in adirection in which the guides and the guide shafts come into contactwith each other.
 2. An image blur correction device, comprising: a firstmovable frame which is equipped with any one of a lens and an imagingelement and has first-direction guides; a second movable frame havingsecond-direction guides and first-direction guide shafts which movablysupport the first movable frame by coming into contact with thefirst-direction guides; a fixed frame having second-direction guideshafts which movably support the second movable frame by coming intocontact with the second-direction guides; and a drive mechanism whichdrives the first and second movable frames for correcting image blur bymoving at least one of the first and second movable frames relative tothe fixed frame, and wherein the first-direction guide shafts are madeof a magnetic material, and wherein the first movable frame has firstpermanent magnets on the first-direction guides in the first movableframe, the first permanent magnets using attractive force between thefirst magnets and the first-direction guide shafts, so as to urge thefirst movable frame in a direction in which the first-direction guidesand the first-direction guide shafts come into contact with each other.3. The image blur correction device according to claim 2, wherein thesecond-direction guide shafts are made of a magnetic material, andwherein the second movable frame has second permanent magnets on thesecond-direction guides in the second movable frame, the secondpermanent magnets using attractive force between the second magnets andthe second-direction guide shafts, so as to urge the second movableframe in a direction in which the second-direction guides and thesecond-direction guide shafts come into contact with each other.
 4. Animaging apparatus, comprising the image blur correction device accordingto claim
 1. 5. An imaging apparatus, comprising the image blurcorrection device according to claim 2.